For the past 36 months, we’ve been following a very impressive Swiss start-up that is laser-focused on improving the way an unmanned traffic management (UTM) system is deployed to allow manned and unmanned vehicles coexist in controlled airspace. Involi is dedicated to developing a complete and reliable air traffic data provider system for drones, and their recent announcement takes that dedication to a whole new level.

On July 12th Involi and and AirMap announced their collaboration to offer a pre-integrated UTM and Air Traffic Awareness solution for safe, efficient, and scalable drone operations. It's a big deal since we all know Airmap is already the leading global airspace intelligence platform for drones. Their recent partnership with Raytheon as well as with other big players in the space make the organization a formidable ally.

The safe integration of drones into low-altitude airspace alongside manned aviation has become paramount to cope with the fast adoption of drones in multiple industries. The combination of Involi’s low-altitude air traffic data service with AirMap’s drone traffic management platform enables safe, complex, and autonomous drone applications, such as drone delivery, large-scale agriculture support, surveying, mapping, and countless other use cases.

Additionally, this integrated solution from AirMap and Involi offers a suite of drone management and flight awareness technologies and services for drone pilots, authorities, and enterprise customers. AirMap’s UAS Traffic Management (UTM) Platform and UAS Service Provider (USP) capabilities enable airspace authorities to deliver safety-critical services to drone operators and other actors operating in low-altitude airspace. As a UTM Supplemental Data & Service Provider (SDSP), Involi’s stream of low-altitude air traffic data is combined with other traffic data inputs within the AirMap UTM Platform to provide a comprehensive visualization of real-time air traffic. This unique traffic data is gathered through Involi’s network of in-house developed detection devices affixed to cell towers and other existing ground infrastructure. Involi’s technology captures aircraft identification signals including ADS-B, FLARM, and other transponders, thus providing comprehensive air traffic awareness. Doing so is critical to ensure safe separation and deconfliction between drone operations and helicopters, gliders, and other low-altitude manned aircraft.

“Through this collaboration, AirMap and Involi offer a comprehensive UTM solution that incorporates real-time data from aircraft operating in low-altitude airspace using ADS-B and other identification technology,” said AirMap CTO Andreas Lamprecht. “Involi’s airspace data will further enhance situational awareness within the AirMap UTM Platform.”

Involi and AirMap are both partners in Switzerland’s Swiss U-space Implementation (SUSI) framework, which is Switzerland’s drone traffic management network infrastructure. Switzerland is one of the foremost countries in the world supporting commercial drone innovations, and Involi and AirMap are helping the country address the challenges of the safe integration of drones into its airspace.

“It was a natural progression for Involi and AirMap to formalize their ongoing technical integration," said Involi CEO and Co-founder Manu Lubrano. "We are working toward the common goal of automating drone flights and enabling exciting advanced drone applications that offer tremendous economic potential and represent the future of transportation. Joining forces helps bring this future one step closer.”

It is through collaborations like these that we can be assured that the integration of manned and unmanned vehicles in controlled airspace will happen in a safe and seamless manner, allowing our industry to grow while still maintaining current levels of safety and reliability.