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97 “Ouster has dramatically simplified Lidar engineering design and manufacturing by using custom ASICs to bring down the number of components by a factor of more than ten, while improving performance. “In addition, having a monolithic array of detectors on our ASICs means less concern about precision alignment of emitters and receivers, meaning more reliability and consistency of performance over time, in addition to lower manufacturing costs.” The 330 g system has 64 channels and samples at a range of up to 120 m, with a vertical field of view (FOV) of between +15.8 and -15.8 º . “We are bringing high resolution to the industry, which results in more detailed and faster operations,” Jacquemet added. Ouster has also developed a 16-channel Lidar sensor, the OS-1-16, which provides multiple vertical FOV options at a far lower cost compared with the OS-1. It has the same 10-20 Hz rotation rate, and outputs the same information per channel (distance, reflectivity, angle, time stamp and ambient near-IR light) and with the same high spatial resolution and intensity dynamic range shown in the sensor output videos on Ouster’s website. AltiGator showcased its OnyxStar range of UAVs for professional applications, including its newest system, the Atlas octocopter. The system was designed for lifting relatively heavy payloads – up to 9 kg – and tests are ongoing to determine the optimal endurance time. “We can integrate RTK or PPK for precise geotagging of survey imagery as needed,” said Caroline Leonard. “Cameras with considerable optical zoom for industrial inspection or search and rescue, or multi-spectral cameras for holistic analysis of agricultural assets, can be carried.” The company also manufactures the Hydra-12 multi-copter, which features an unusual 12-rotor design in an X-12 coaxial configuration. The ‘dodecarotor’ system can carry an effective payload of up to 12 kg for a minimum take-off weight of 23 kg. Although flight times can vary, endurance tests so far show the system can fly for up to 15 minutes while carrying 7 kg. “We estimate 10 minutes’ flying time with 12 kg payloads on the Hydra,” Leonard added. Luminell is developing a smaller version of its UAV spotlight payloads. The DL A will feature the same aluminium circuit board used in its previous DL C system, to save on weight and transfer the heat from the LEDs over to a new magnesium casing – magnesium also having been selected for light weight. The company had previously tested an aluminium casing that weighed 100 g, but the magnesium casing weighed 70 g and was therefore deemed the superior choice for a small UAV with limited carrying capability. Vegard Humlen said, “When it comes to light performance, light output [lumens], beam options, light quality and different colour temperature options are important. The DL A can be delivered with UV, IR, white, red, blue or green light.” The system has a light output of 2300 lumens and consumes 20 W. “We carry out a light measurement of our lumen output for each system, to make sure the user actually gets as much light as we promise,” Humlen added. The 100 g DL A has three beam options – 20, 40 and 60 º – as standard, but can be delivered with other options on request. The colour temperature is about 5000 K (neutral white) and has a colour rendering index of at least 70, with other light qualities available on request. “Connecting light modules on a UAV can be a hassle, especially with multiple modules. In order to control the lights, you’ll need power and a control signal. To meet that challenge, we have developed our own software platform, Luminell Unity, for controlling multiple modules wirelessly from the UAV console. That means the only cable needed is the power cable,” Humlen said. The DL A is aimed at smaller UASs weighing 2 kg or less, such as the DJI Phantom 4, for search and rescue, inspection or entertainment use. Unmanned Systems Technology | June/July 2018 The Hydra 12-rotor UAV from Altigator can carry a payload of up to 12 kg