![human and machine collaboration XTEND ModalAI](https://dronelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/XTEND-MODAL-AI-CARD-10-JULY-2023-e1689172293271-300x150.png)
:
by DRONELIFE Staff Author Ian M. Crosby
Today, human-guided autonomous operating system developer XTEND announced a multi-layered partnership with leading Blue UAS Framework drone manufacturer ModalAI, Inc. As per the partnership, XTEND will make its XOS operating system available on ModalAI’s technology, while XTEND’s human-guided autonomous drones will incorporate ModalAI’s VOXL® 2 Autonomous AI Autopilot.
XTEND’s Operating System (XOS) offers a simple to deploy operating system for drones and robots, allowing any connected device to learn from XOS’s application ecosystem. Its app store is open to third-party developers and lets users run third party applications on their devices, including apps which are capable of control a drone’s position and extract data, control payloads, or inspect oil and gas infrastructure.
“XOS is operational across the World and enables anyone to simply connect and interact with drones and robotics devices remotely, without the necessity for prior knowledge or training. Allowing operators to maneuver, see, interact with devices precisely, intuitively, and immersively. We imagine that XOS will grow to be the operating system of selection for anyone who’s trying to maximize the potential of their drones and robotic systems, while decreasing the risks posed to their teams’ lives, or concerns around lack of human oversight,” said XTEND co-founder and CTO Rubi Liani. “Not only does our partnership with ModalAI supercharge the capabilities of their drone and robotics hardware; but our own range of revolutionary human-guided autonomous drones will now profit from the extraordinary capabilities of ModalAI’s Next Generation VOXL® 2 Autonomous AI Autopilot. We envision a really fruitful collaboration with ModalAI and see them as an ideal partner, as we extend operations into public safety, security, inspection, and other civilian markets.”
ModalAI’s VOXL® 2 Blue UAS Framework autopilot condenses autonomous capabilities from an onboard companion computer, PX4 flight controller and advanced AI as much as 15+ TOPS. Powered by the Qualcomm QRB5165 processor, the 16g VOXL® 2 was designed to scale back autonomous UAV development time by greater than half. With pre-integrated flight hardware and software, VOXL® 2 allows developers to hurry up the R&D phase of product development to more quickly begin developing their very own custom UAVs.
“We’re very excited that XTEND has chosen VOXL® 2 to power their fleet of autonomous drones,” said ModalAI CEO and co-founder Chad Sweet. “VOXL® 2 was created to scale back UAV developer’s time to market, so we’re thrilled about XTEND’s progress in launching VOXL® 2-powered drones. The impact of autonomous ISR is increasing each day, and we are able to’t wait to see how XTEND’s XOS and drone fleet will modernise mission critical applications.”
XTEND and ModalAI are each a part of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Blue UAS Framework, advancing industrial technology to be able to provide drone users with reliable and complicated UAV capabilities.
Read more: