“ViDAR Sensors by Sentient Take Flight: Veering into New Horizons with Edge Autonomy’s VXE30 ‘Stalker’ UAS”

Sentient Vision Systems (Sentient) has effectively conducted live showcases of its AI-driven ViDAR (Visual Detection and Ranging) payload, utilized on Edge Autonomy’s VXE30 UAS. The VXE30 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) platform is the latest and most sophisticated iteration of the “Stalker” series of small uncrewed aerial vehicles (sUAV) by Edge Autonomy. When paired with Sentient’s ViDAR, the VXE30 offers a passive, extensive search capability, enabling it to support numerous maritime operations. This collaborative capability will be featured at DSEI 2023, from 12-15 September in London.

ViDAR, conceived by Sentient, employs AI; Computer Vision, and Machine Learning in conjunction with Electro-Optic and Infrared (EO/IR) sensors to passively identify objects that are challenging to detect by the human eye or recognize on a standard radar. With these advanced functionalities, Stalker will significantly enhance its precision in detecting and pinpointing individuals, items, and vessels (both day and night) at great distances from the operator.

Since 2015, ViDAR has been utilized in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, maritime patrol, border security, as well as search and rescue operations. ViDAR has demonstrated effectiveness in demanding maritime conditions up to Sea State 6 (very rough conditions with waves ranging from 13 to 20 feet high/4 to 6 meters).

Sentient has adeptly transformed ViDAR into a compact, lightweight, low power design—low SWaP (size, weight, and power)—ideal for use on small Group 2 / NATO Class 1 UAS like the VXE30. Its successful integration onto the VXE30 displays its wide operational scope and capability to deliver unmatched long-endurance imaging in contested environments worldwide.

Joshua Stinson, Edge Autonomy’s Chief Growth Officer stated, “The incorporation of ViDAR into the VXE30 is a crucial segment of our UAS deployment initiative. ViDAR’s passive detection system will enhance the VXE30’s ability to operate unnoticed in a contested setting while carrying a robust maritime detection sensor that provides real-time insights into the maritime domain. This capability could significantly influence a mission’s success.”

Paul Harris, Sentient’s VP of Business Development concurred, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Edge Autonomy to showcase how powerful ViDAR is in augmenting the versatility of the nimble VXE30, addressing the challenges of contemporary battlespaces. We eagerly anticipate presenting our combined capabilities at DSEI.”

With nearly 4,500 systems deployed, Sentient’s AI-powered sensor edge solutions for wide area motion imagery have proven effective in detection missions globally.