From software to sensors to drones and beyond, the Commercial UAV Exhibit Hall floor is overflowing with the latest products and systems. But what are the most innovative products on display? What are the most valuable tools for real-world operations? What products and services are best suited to succeed in today’s uncrewed marketplace?
Each year, Commercial UAV Expo’s “Pitch the Press” session attempts to answer those questions. During the event, representatives from established companies and start-ups alike “pitch” their products to a group of industry journalists looking for the most unique new technology being showcased at Commercial UAV Expo. Each company has two minutes to make the case for their product, and the judges then convene to select three winners.
For 2024, 16 exhibitors were selected from a large pool of applicants to share their new product or service during the one-hour event. Richard Thomas from Inside Unmanned Systems, Patrick Sherman of Roswell Flight Test Crew, and Commercial UAV News Editorial Analyst Scott Howe debated the pros and cons of each presentation to choose the winners.
Given the quality of the entrants, this year’s judges had a difficult time selecting the three winners, but they ultimately settled on the offerings from Bavovna AI, Sixdof Space, and Sunhillo Corporation.
Here’s a look at the winners:
Bavovna AI: Ukraine-based Bavonva presented its inertial navigation system. Designed for use with unmanned vehicles in GPS-denied and electronic warfare environments, the system combines modular hardware and AI SaaS for aerial, surface, and subsurface platforms. Judge Patrick Sherman praised Bavovna for its ability to develop a high-quality low-cost while working in a challenging environment. “They are literally operating in an environment where their lives are on the line, and they have created an effective system using simple, off-the-shelf technology.” Sherman said.
Sixdof Space: Addressing the problems involved in landing a drone in the precise, desired spot, Sixdof Space developed a unique optical tracking system. When integrated with a drone, this sensor provides centimeter-level accuracy, works in all lighting conditions, including GPS-denied environments, and ensures accurate positioning. In selected Sixdof Space’s presentation, Richard Thomas said, “The last 100 meters is a significant problem in landing a drone. This seems like a simple, clean solution that can be applied by first responders or anyone else in the field.”
Sunhillo Corporation: Suntillo’s monitoring system seeks to address “clutter” in airspace data and help UAV operators. Judge Richard Thomas was impressed by the way this product addressed a real and pressing need in the drone world and the larger world of aviation. “This brings FAA-level data to the commercial market,” said Richard Thomas about Sunhillo’s presentation. “To have advanced air mobility, we need to de-clutter airspace data.”
Here's a complete look at the participants in this year’s Pitch the Press:
2. AIR6 SYSTEMS | AIRBORNE ROBOTICS
4. AVSS - Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions Inc.
5. Bavovna AI
8. FREEUA
9. Gotonomi
10. LIDARETTO - Geotech Bratislava, s.r.o.
11. RIEGL USA
12. Sharper Shape
13. Sixdof Space
15. TTP plc
16. Vivum AI
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