Two Seattle-area companies, BRINC and Echodyne, have teamed up to integrate that company’s MESA radar into BRINC’s drones.
MESA stands for “metamaterials electronically scanned array.” As Echodyne explains on its website, MESA radar “uses common materials arranged in a special way to precisely steer radar energy from a much denser array without phase shifters, moving parts or maintenance of any kind.”
That results in reduced size, weight, power requirements and cost, as well as more applications — positive factors in the world of drones meant for regular use in emergency situations.
The partnership “enables a path forward” for more drone operations that happen beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS), according to a statement from BRINC. The radar tech involved in this deal also can offer real-time data feeds and airspace monitoring.
BVLOS operations typically require waivers from federal authorities, and can impose staffing burdens on law enforcement agencies already dealing with low rates of hiring and retention.
“By combining BRINC’s drone technology with Echodyne’s advanced radar, we are creating a safe, robust and reliable solution for first responders to deploy 911 response drones autonomously to emergencies,” said Blake Resnick, BRINC CEO, in that statement.
Via this partnership, BRINC drone-as-first-responder (DFR) clients can view drone operations from afar while also paying close attention to weather, airspace advisories and other data.
Automated alerts can warn drone operators of “potential dangers,” according to the statement, with the tech also providing automated grounding and rerouting of drones if air traffic demands it.
“Echodyne radars have been used for years by (unmanned aircraft systems) centers of excellence, as well as FAA and NASA testing programs,” said Eben Frankenberg, Echodyne CEO, in the statement. “DFR represents a unique opportunity to introduce widescale BVLOS operations, and radars are the ideal sensor to provide detailed and accurate airspace situational awareness.”
Backers of Echodyne include such heavy hitters as Bill Gates, NEA, Madrona Venture Group and Northrop Grumman.
BRINC, meanwhile, has attracted investment from the likes of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman — one of the corporate leaders of the ongoing rush toward artificial intelligence — Index Ventures and Figma CEO Dylan Field.
