The FAA, Privacy, and the NAS

I recently attended the annual conference for Unmanned Systems Canada in Ottawa, Ontario. In addition to the interesting talks, cool robots, and compelling policy discussions, I was struck by the attention given to privacy concerns. In fact one of the longest sessions of the conference was devoted to privacy issues as they pertain to unmanned systems and particularly UAVs. What was even more interesting however was the amount and type of attention paid to privacy by speakers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Equally interesting was the talk given by an FAA representative, and the information conveyed regarding UAVs operating in the US NAS (national airspace system).

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Startup Stories

I founded CyPhy Works to focus on innovations in robotics that empower people. I learned from my successful (and unsuccessful) experiences at iRobot that one cannot get caught up in the cool-factor of robots. Robots must deliver on what they promise – it is not enough that Roomba is a robot – it has to clean, and clean well. Value is created when you combine state-of-the-art robotics with the less sexy application engineering.

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CyPhy Works Off to a Flying Start!

DANVERS, MA (December 2, 2012) – CyPhy Works, an innovative new robotics company, today unveiled two revolutionary small Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs): EASE and PARC. The Extreme Access System for Entry (EASE) is an indoor flying UAV to help police, soldiers, and inspectors remain at safe standoff distances. EASE boasts the long endurance, GPS denied navigation, and portability needed to act as a forward remote presence for Improvised Explosive Device (IED) reconnaissance, building interior reconnaissance, hostage situations, and search and rescue. EASE will also be used for bridge and building inspection to help keep our population safer.

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