TL;DR:
- XTEND and ModalAI have formed a multi-layered partnership to integrate XTEND’s XOS operating system with ModalAI’s Blue UAS Framework technology.
- The collaboration aims to enhance human-guided autonomous drones’ capabilities and streamline robotics missions.
- XTEND’s XOS provides an easily deployable operating system for drones and robots, enabling true human and machine collaboration.
- ModalAI’s VOXL® 2 Autonomous AI Autopilot, powered by Qualcomm’s QRB5165 processor, will significantly boost XTEND’s drone range.
- Both companies are part of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Blue UAS Framework, accelerating the adoption of advanced commercial technologies for UAV users.
Main AI News:
XTEND, a pioneering developer of the XOS human-guided autonomous operating system, has forged a groundbreaking partnership with ModalAI, the leading manufacturer of Blue UAS Framework technology for autonomous drones and robotics. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the realm of advanced human and machine collaboration.
Under the agreement, XTEND will integrate its award-winning XOS operating system with ModalAI’s cutting-edge technology, particularly the VOXL® 2 Autonomous AI Autopilot. This integration will result in a seamless fusion of XTEND’s revolutionary human-guided autonomous drones and ModalAI’s industry-leading capabilities, empowering users to execute complex robotics missions with unprecedented success.
The Operating System (XOS) developed by XTEND is a highly scalable and versatile platform that provides users with a deployable operating system for drones and robots. By harnessing the extensive capabilities of XOS’s expanding application ecosystem, users can unlock the true potential of human and machine collaboration in any scenario. XTEND’s XOS app store opens doors for third-party developers, allowing them to create and deploy applications that cater to various mission types. These applications range from controlling drones’ positioning and extracting data to operating robotic claws, advanced gas detectors, and cyber detectors, as well as inspecting faulty oil and gas infrastructure.
According to Rubi Liani, co-founder and CTO of XTEND, “XOS empowers individuals worldwide to effortlessly connect and interact with drones and robotics devices, even without prior knowledge or training. It enables operators to navigate, perceive, and interact with devices with precision, intuition, and immersion. We firmly believe that XOS will emerge as the preferred operating system for those seeking to maximize their drones’ and robotic systems’ potential while mitigating risks to their team’s safety and addressing concerns regarding human oversight.”
This partnership between XTEND and ModalAI not only amplifies the capabilities of ModalAI’s drone and robotics hardware but also augments XTEND’s range of revolutionary human-guided autonomous drones with the extraordinary features of ModalAI’s Next Generation VOXL® 2 Autonomous AI Autopilot. This collaboration is expected to yield fruitful results, especially as XTEND expands its operations into public safety, security, inspection, and other civilian markets.
ModalAI’s VOXL® 2 represents the next evolutionary step in the Blue UAS Framework autopilot, leveraging the Qualcomm QRB5165 processor. Weighing only 16 grams, VOXL® 2 seamlessly integrates autonomous capabilities, combining an onboard companion computer, PX4 flight controller, and advanced AI processing power of over 15 TOPS. Designed to significantly reduce the development time for autonomous UAVs, VOXL® 2 serves as an all-in-one AI autopilot, providing pre-integrated flight hardware and software. This empowers developers to expedite the research and development phase of their product journey and embark on creating their own custom UAVs.
The inclusion of VOXL® 2 will enhance the capabilities of XTEND’s lineup of fully NDAA compliant human-guided autonomous drones, including the XTENDER, Wolverine, and Griffon models.
Chad Sweet, CEO and co-founder of ModalAI, expressed his excitement about XTEND’s adoption of VOXL® 2 to power their fleet of autonomous drones. “VOXL® 2 was developed to streamline UAV development time, and we are thrilled to witness XTEND’s progress in launching VOXL® 2-enabled drones. The impact of autonomous ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) continues to grow, and we eagerly anticipate how XTEND’s XOS and drone fleet will modernize mission-critical applications.”
Conclusion:
The partnership between XTEND and ModalAI signifies a major advancement in the market for advanced human and machine collaboration in the field of robotics. By integrating XTEND’s XOS operating system with ModalAI’s cutting-edge technology, the collaboration enables seamless interaction and cooperation between humans and autonomous drones. This collaboration not only enhances the capabilities of both companies offerings but also showcases the potential for increased efficiency and effectiveness in various sectors, including public safety, security, inspection, and civilian applications. Furthermore, their participation in the DIU Blue UAS Framework highlights their commitment to driving innovation and providing trusted, advanced capabilities to UAV users. Overall, this partnership sets the stage for further advancements in the market, where human-guided autonomous systems play a crucial role in transforming industries and maximizing operational potential.
