AI-enabled drones tested in Latrobe Valley

Cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology that enables drones to detect landmines from above has been tested in Latrobe Valley. The image recognition technology equips Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or drones) with the ability to detect and differentiate between real landmines and other objects such as rocks or debris, with the potential to significantly minimise risk for defence personnel and civilians. Developed in-house by Nova Systems engineers, the AI tool has been undergoing testing at Latrobe Valley within the company’s deployable UAV Testing Range as a part of ongoing capability development and system improvement. Through its T&E Centre of Excellence initiative – a collaboration with academia, industry and government – the company has been investing in both physical and synthetic methods for performing T&E on autonomous and uncrewed systems-of-systems. This also includes underwater autonomous vehicles. Nova Systems CEO Dean Rosenfield says as UAVs can cover large areas quickly, they provide real-time surveillance without endangering human lives. “The integration of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems into the Australian Defence Force is not just a strategic choice, but an imperative,” Rosenfield explained. “Testing UAVs and other complex systems in a real-world environment provides the ability to assess the full potential of the capability. The ability to innovate, develop and test our own AI technology for UAVs in Australia is a strategic advantage. It helps secure the nation’s advanced technological capabilities and the long-term sustainability of the Australian specialist workforce through contemporary training and development.” Through its T&E Centre of Excellence collaborations, Nova is supporting the acceleration of testing capabilities of emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning and uncrewed systems. For Editorial Inquiries Contact : Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]