AV Unveils New AI Capability and Autonomy Kit for Unmanned Systems

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AeroVironment (AV) unveils Autonomy Retrofit Kit (ARK) and AVACORE software to enhance autonomous systems' capabilities. ARK provides intelligent mission capabilities for unmanned aircraft systems, while AVACORE offers an open framework for unmanned systems with computer vision software. The new systems aim to increase mission effectiveness and reduce operator burdens.

AV’s Autonomy Retrofit Kit (ARK) and AVACORE software deliver a suite of new single or multi-agent mission capabilities to autonomous systems

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AeroVironment (AV) has introduced its Autonomy Retrofit Kit (ARK) and AVACORE software demonstrating the company’s commitment to advancing autonomy and machine learning capabilities to increase effectiveness of autonomous systems and reduce operator burdens. ARK and AVACORE bring AV’s accelerated autonomy to fielded assets such as Puma™ 3 AE and Puma™ LE, in addition to future autonomous systems.

AV's ARK and AVACORE bring accelerated autonomy to unmanned aircraft systems such as AV's Puma 3 AE and Puma LE (Photo: Business Wire)

ARK is a quick-connect payload introducing a new suite of intelligent mission capabilities for Group 1+ unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Providing edge computing for mission-critical applications, ARK enables operators to task a single or multi-vehicle team with mission objectives for fully autonomous execution while operating in communications-contested environments. ARK also intelligently integrates with distributed groups of dismounted units in a Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) using the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK).

AVACORE is AV’s autonomy software providing an open framework for unmanned systems. It features a modular set of interfaces such as autopilots, radios and sensors, and supports rapid integration with new platforms and applications. ARK also comes preinstalled with SPOTR-Edge, AV’s computer vision software, for onboard detection, classification, localization, and tracking of operationally relevant objects including people, vehicles, aircraft, and maritime vessels, day or night.

“ARK and AVACORE provide enhanced capabilities and critical advantages to warfighters on complex battlefields,” said AV’s Senior Vice President of MacCready Works, Jeff Rodrian. “This payload combines AV’s unparalleled autonomy and field-proven computer vision SPOTR-Edge to accelerate awareness and mission success.”

Though the combination of autonomy and computer vision, ARK and AVACORE allow operators to select a wide variety of single or multi-agent capabilities including multi-region search, track and follow and more. The introduction of these systems builds upon AV’s proven and trusted family of autonomous systems, bringing a scalable, adaptable AI toolset to fielded and new assets for safer, smarter mission capabilities.

“AVACORE features an intuitive behavior tree approach allowing flexibility for rapid development and adoption of new autonomous missions,” continued Rodrian. “This results in smarter systems with reduced cognitive load for warfighters.”

Click here to request additional information on AV’s ARK and AVACORE.

ABOUT AEROVIRONMENT

AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) is a global leader in intelligent multi-domain robotic systems, uncrewed aircraft and ground systems, sensors, software analytics and connectivity. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, AeroVironment delivers actionable intelligence so our customers can proceed with certainty. For more information, visit www.avinc.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors outside of our control, that may cause our business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain additional contracts; changes in the regulatory environment; the activities of competitors; failure of the markets in which we operate to grow; failure to expand into new markets; failure to develop new products or integrate new technology with current products; and general economic and business conditions in the United States and elsewhere in the world. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240423079883/en/

Ashley Riser

AeroVironment, Inc.

+1 (805) 750-6176

pr@avinc.com

Source: AeroVironment, Inc.

FAQ

What new capabilities does AV's Autonomy Retrofit Kit (ARK) offer for unmanned aircraft systems?

ARK provides a suite of intelligent mission capabilities for Group 1+ unmanned aircraft systems, enabling fully autonomous execution in communications-contested environments.

What is AVACORE and what does it offer for unmanned systems?

AVACORE is AV's autonomy software that provides an open framework for unmanned systems. It features interfaces for autopilots, radios, sensors, and supports rapid integration with new platforms and applications.

How does ARK integrate with dismounted units in a Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET)?

ARK intelligently integrates with distributed groups of dismounted units in a Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) using the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK).

What computer vision software is preinstalled in ARK, and what are its capabilities?

ARK comes preinstalled with SPOTR-Edge, AV's computer vision software, for onboard detection, classification, localization, and tracking of operationally relevant objects including people, vehicles, aircraft, and maritime vessels, day or night.

Who mentioned that ARK and AVACORE provide enhanced capabilities for warfighters?

AV's Senior Vice President of MacCready Works, Jeff Rodrian, stated that ARK and AVACORE provide enhanced capabilities and critical advantages to warfighters on complex battlefields.