The Kansas Department of Transportation, one of 10 organizations selected by Presidential memorandum to test how drones can fly safely, has begun testing of the Integration Pilot Program this week alongside Iris Automation.
Tests will be conducted above the farmlands of Gypsum, Kansas. Iris Automation will there test collision avoidance technology, which utilizes computer vision and AI to allow drone operators a broader view. A camera, processor and computer vision software will enable them to see in real-time for greater collision avoidance. The Federal Aviation Administration will be observing to help determine future regulations for such activities.
“At Iris Automation, our cutting-edge technology is unlocking the potential of drones by enabling them to fly beyond visual line of sight,” Alexander Harmsen, chief executive of Iris Automation, said. “I am delighted to be putting it to the test with Kansas Department of Transportation.”
The test flights will be a week-long affair, evaluated through controlled drone flights against manned aircraft.
“The flights we will conduct this week are a crucial part of the overarching strategy to further UAS representation as an important economic contributor for Kansas,” Bob Brock, KDOT director of Aviation, said. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with Iris
Automation and our other IPP Team Members as we look forward into the future.”