Iris Automation announces Casia 360, the first onboard detect-and-avoid system for drones with 360-degree capability

The Casia system allows an Unmanned Aircraft System to see and react to the aviation environment around the aircraft. Casia 360 detects other aircraft in all directions, uses computer-vision algorithms to classify them, makes intelligent decisions about the threat they may pose to the drone, then triggers an alert to the pilot in command and automated maneuvers to safely avoid collisions.

Casia is a combination of both hardware and software that is lightweight, low power and small in size. The low SWaP system is composed of two onboard controllers and five long-range optical cameras providing a 360-degree field of view. The software is packaged in a self-contained embedded supercomputer that works with the machine vision cameras onboard.

"Casia 360 allows a drone to have a complete sense of its surroundings so it can avoid potential collisions from any direction," said Iris Automation CEO Alexander Harmsen. "We developed this technology based on feedback from our customers and regulatory bodies around the world. It enables drones to be used for an even greater range of long-distance use cases and saves money, increases safety and unlocks applications across multiple industries: railway, energy sector, utility powerline inspections, package delivery, and life-saving search and rescue operations."

The Casia technology has been extensively tested, with real-world test flights and mid-air collision scenarios flying various manned aircraft against UAS, over 12,000 real-world encounters and more than 50,000 encounters in simulation. Casia is currently being flown by dozens of customers, across 12 countries and holds BVLOS approvals from regulators in the U.S., South Africa, and Canada.

Iris Automation is working directly with regulators around the world to make commercial drones safer and more accessible, ensuring Casia 360 achieves the highest levels of safety for national airspace use. Iris Automation also offers customers regulatory support for Part 107 waiver writing and regulatory approval processes to secure the necessary permissions for their unique UAS operations.