Perth-based startup Harvest Technology Group and drone solutions provider Carbonix have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will allow the two companies to deliver untethered “beyond horizon” drone operations.
The collaboration, according to Harvest Chief Executive Officer Paul Guilfoyle, will see Harvest bring network-optimised remote connectivity to Carbonix’s fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones.
“In addition to defence applications, drones are revolutionising many industry sectors including emergency services, energy, air transport, logistics, mining and infrastructure by delivering commercial advantage and sustainability pathways to organisations that adopt the new technology,” he said.
Whether you need to inspect a site hundreds of kilometres away or get urgent medical supplies to a hospital, real-time monitor emergency events such as fire and floods or to locate missing persons, monitor borders, spot sharks, or map remote terrain, the possibilities are endless, especially when you integrate our joint tech with artificial intelligence.
Paul Guilfoyle, Harvest CEO
“Activities like these can be done easier, safer, and more efficiently with minimal human intervention using a combination of drone technology, satellite communication and software that enables the live-streaming of high-fidelity video, audio, and data.”
Based in Sydney, Carbonix develops and manufacturers long-range drones, while Harvest does the same with its network-optimised communications technology here in Perth.
Through combining these technologies, customers can now more effectively acquire data and deliver better operational outcomes in remote locations, which often have poor internet and mobile phone connectivity.
Carbonix CEO Philip van der Burg said he believed the partnership would be “the beginning of a great Australian corporate story”.
Australia has a high-cost base, making it difficult to compete in traditional manufacturing of commoditised mass-market products, but we win in spades when it comes to highly skilled innovation,” said Mr van der Burg.
“Here we have two sophisticated complementary technologies from two independent Australian companies working together in cutting-edge scalable high-value-add applications.
This fast-tracks an impressive industrial capability that differentiates us from anything else here or overseas. Joining forces will mean we can scale faster.
Philip van der Burg, Carbonix CEO
Currently, large-area data-capture is dependent on satellite imagery, which can be hindered by cloud and limited in the level of resolution. It can also be constrained by pre-determined orbits.
Carbonix drones are designed to fly “low and slow” for extended periods following highly specified optimised flight paths.
Satelities can effectively track and monitor the drones in real-time, removing the distance constraints imposed by radio range.
Harvest’s satellite link allows users to see a “drone’s eye view” – as clear if if looking out of a window of a low-flying plane. This is also far cheaper than the incumbent alternative, which is to use a helicopter. Obviously, this can cost thousands per hour in operating costs and fuel and poses a safety risk to pilots and has high carbon emissions.
Mr Guilfoyle concluded that the partnership will allow the two to explore a non-exclusive collaboration regarding technology, systems integration and joint sales and marketing activities.
“In partnership with Carbonix, which provides reliable and fully integrated Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) solutions, we will be creating innovative effective solutions to capture valuable data from the air,” he explained.
“Increased demand will be the driver for innovation, but we need to ensure there is a strong foundation to support this growth and innovation.
“These aren’t ordinary drones, they are large, aerodynamic and can travel up to 500 kilometres away, so you could be controlling a drone in the Hunter Valley from Sydney, which could be crucial to saving lives during extreme weather events or other crises.”
