Iris Automation Selected as Detect-and-Avoid Provider for ZM Interactive’s xFold ™ Drones

Jan 31, 2020

ZM Interactive will provide the option of Iris Automation’s Casia system integrated onto all of their drone platforms to enable safe beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (January 31, 2020) — Iris Automation today announced it has been selected as the detect and avoid (DAA) provider to ZM Interactive (ZMI) drones, enabling ZMI customers to conduct Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) operations.

Iris is the critical missing piece that takes commercial drone operations from theoretical to functional, by enabling Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to fly Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS). The Iris Automation Casia system is a turnkey solution that detects, tracks and classifies other aircraft and makes intelligent decisions about the threat they may pose to the drone. It then triggers automated maneuvers to avoid collisions, and alerts the pilot on the ground in command of the mission. The industry-leading collision avoidance system helps drones see the world how pilots do.

ZMI manufactures the xFold ™ drone – an industrial, military-grade UAV that comes in a variety of different sizes and configurations. xFold ™ drones are guaranteed to be the strongest and most advanced multi-rotor drones on the market, with uses ranging from aerial cinematography, 3-D Mapping and Inspections, cargo delivery, fire fighting efforts. Because its frame can change between a x4 (Quad), x6 (Hexa), X8 (octo) and X12 (Dodeca) configurations in minutes and heavy payload capability of over 300lb, the xFold ™ is suitable for a wide range of commercial, industrial, military and emergency response applications. xFold ™ drones are the only FAA-approved airworthy drone at that level.

Starting today, ZMI will provide the option of Casia integrated onto all of its drone platforms. Combined, the two companies provide customers with an all-in-one package ready for advanced missions, including safe BVLOS operations.

“This collaboration between Iris Automation and ZMI allows xFold ™ drone customers to use their drones to their full potential,” Iris Automation CEO Alexander Harmsen. “Having drones pre-equipped with the option for advanced BVLOS capabilities is a basic requirement the industry will soon expect to see on all drones out-of-the-box.”

Last year, Iris Automation conducted the first Part 107 FAA-approved BVLOS drone flights without a requirement for visual observers or ground-based radar. The FAA’s approval for the flight was granted based on the utilization of the Casia detect-and-avoid system. As part of the partnership, Iris will also offer customers with Casia onboard regulatory support for Part 107 waiver writing and regulatory approval processes to secure the necessary permissions for their unique UAS BVLOS operations.

Iris Media Contact:
Brooke Brumfield, 530.414.6259
contact@irisonboard.com

# # # #