Category: Aviation

Dexory Aims to Re-define North American Logistics and Warehousing Technology Market

er of cutting-edge AI and robotics solutions, has announced its expansion into the North American market. Dexory is set to disrupt the market through its autonomous robotics and AI-powered analysis solution, DexoryView. The company is already working with global partners with a significant U. S. presence such as DB Schenker, Menzies Aviation, Maersk and ID Logistics. To lead the expansion, Todd Boone has joined the team as its Head of North American business.

The driving force behind the expansion is the rapidly evolving landscape of logistics and warehousing. End customers continue to demand quicker turnaround times while warehouses address the urgent needs for improved space utilization and increased efficiencies while wrestling with ongoing labor scarcity. Dexory combines powerful analytics with autonomous robots capable of capturing rich image and sensor data from across a warehouse. This powerful combination provides comprehensive visibility across warehouses of any size, as well as connecting warehouses across the global supply chain through Dexory’s digital platform, DexoryView.

One customer that has recently deployed Dexory’s solutions in its warehouses is the international contract logistics group, ID Logistics. The collaboration aims to increase warehouse operation accuracy and enhance overall efficiency to improve the service provided to their customers.

Benoit Boiron, group Innovation manager at ID Logistics commented, “This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the evolution of inventory management and warehouse data acquisition. The precision and real-time monitoring capabilities have transformed our day-to-day operations, bringing accuracy to new heights.”

“Following successful customer deployments in Europe, we have seen an increased demand from the North American market,” said Andrei Danescu, CEO and co-founder of Dexory. “We are excited to be expanding our offering and see that there is tremendous opportunity in the region. Organizations across the globe are getting to grips with the challenging demands of modern supply chains, and DexoryView allows businesses to gain rapid insights into their operations and make informed decisions that drive better efficiencies across their businesses.”

Dexory says their technology helps businesses to understand, in real-time, what happens in their warehousing operations, which is imperative to closing the visibility gap that occurs when there is a misalignment between expectations and reality. The ever-increasing pace within warehouses is causing the visibility gap to grow, and so worldwide, companies are embracing Dexory’s solution to unlock real-time visibility and insights that minimize the visibility gap while maximizing warehouse performance and reducing costs.

As part of the expansion, Dexory has appointed Todd Boone to lead its North American business. Boone joins Dexory from Zebra Technologies, where he served as director of product management in robotics and automation. With Zebra Technologies he held several leadership roles and worked closely with Fetch, an established AMR provider in North America. Along with his experience in large organizations such as Motorola Solutions and Psion Teklogix, Boone has also acted as an independent advisor for technology companies, providing advice on go-to-market strategies.

“Having an industry veteran such as Todd Boone lead our expansion in the North American region is paramount to our success,” adds Danescu. “Boone has in-depth knowledge of the landscape and the challenges our customers are facing. In addition to this, he is a proven leader and has a track record of delivering value to customers as well as devising strategies that are disruptive and value-driven for our industry. We are pleased to have him on board to spearhead our growth in the region.”

“Many businesses across the globe are struggling with a visibility gap, where they do not have the necessary insight into their warehouse and supply chain operations,” comments Todd Boone, head of North America at Dexory. “The opportunity to lead Dexory’s expansion into the North American market comes at an exciting time for the industry. The technology is truly innovative and disruptive. The combination of robots and DexoryView has already delivered significant benefits to customers in Europe, and North American businesses can expect a transformative effect on the everyday efficiency, productivity and accuracy of their warehouses.”

Skydio Enters Final Phase of U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance Tranche 2 Program

Drone maker Skydio announced it has entered into the final phase of the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) tranche 2 program, where it intends to deliver the powerful Skydio X10D small UAS (sUAS), the next generation of autonomous drone technology.

Skydio remains the solution provider of record for the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance program, which it won in November 2021. With the Skydio X2D, U.S. soldiers today are equipped with a U.S.-manufactured, high performance sUAS to meet their mission needs, increasing situational awareness, safety, and security across multiple defense applications.

“As the largest manufacturer of small drones in the United States, we are proud to further our work with the U.S. Army. Many US government agencies and international allies have already ordered the X10D and we look forward to delivering the X10D to our service members,” said Mark Valentine, President of Global Government at Skydio. “Skydio is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what drone technology can do to protect soldiers, increase mission effectiveness, and ultimately aid in stronger security and greater prosperity around the world.”

Skydio recently debuted its new enterprise drone, Skydio X10, and Skydio X10D, its new drone for defense and government applications. The Skydio X10 platform combines new, cutting-edge data capture cameras, unparalleled autonomy, and versatile hardware to serve a range of industries, including defense, public safety, and utilities. The Skydio X10D drone meets and exceeds SRR specifications for tactical performance and was specifically designed to create tactical advantages for soldiers at any time of day or night by combining maneuverability with best-in-class sensors. Skydio X10D is the first sUAS to enable worry-free 24/7 operations, with the revolutionary NightSense, which enables autonomous, obstacle-avoidance flight in zero-light environments. It is the first small UAS ever to integrate a FLIR Boson+ sensor, achieving the category’s highest thermal imaging quality and more accurate radiometric readings in any location to improve mission success at any time day or night.

Because technology integration is paramount to SRR goals, Skydio X10D delivers enhanced compliance with federal standards, including the Robotics and Autonomous Systems – Air (RAS-A) Interoperability Profile (IoP), and an open, modular platform that supports third-party applications. RAS-A compliance and open MAVLINK protocol enable the use of third-party and government-owned flight application software. Modular ports allow operators to quickly swap attachments in the field for maximum in-field versatility.

The SRR program is designed to equip soldiers with a rapidly deployable small UAS solution to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance (R&S) activities. The Army is executing multiple tranches for its SRR platforms to advance sUAS technology developments and increase overall performance.

In addition to the SRR program with the U.S. Army, Skydio is proud to support every branch of the U.S. military with sUAS systems. Skydio has worked closely with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to make the acquisition of autonomous drones as simple as possible for the DoD, and has established a National Defense Authorization Act-compliant supply chain to ensure trustworthy sourcing for production at scale. Skydio recently hosted Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks and DIU Director Doug Beck at its San Mateo, California headquarters where, in addition to visiting Skydio’s manufacturing facility, DIU’s Artificial Intelligence for Small Unit Maneuver (AISUM) system was demonstrated. AISUM’s autonomous technology enables a single operator to simultaneously manage a heterogeneous group of drones.

OSI Systems Receives $4 Million Order to Provide Security Inspection Systems for Air Cargo Screening

OSI Systems announced that its security division received an order from a leading global air cargo logistics provider for approximately $4 million to provide advanced security inspection systems including the Rapiscan RTT110 CT-based explosive detection system, the Rapiscan Orion 927DX and 935DX for large package screening, and the Rapiscan Orion 920CX for small parcel screening, among others.

“We are privileged to enhance our robust partnership with this long-standing customer and support its premier global air cargo hub,” said Deepak Chopra, OSI Systems’ chairman and CEO. “These systems are expected to be integrated into a high-speed parcel screening environment, optimizing the capabilities of the RTT and Orion platforms.”

NEC Achieves TX-RAMP Level 2 Certification for Suite of Biometric and Face Recognition Solutions

NEC Corporation of America (NEC), a provider and integrator of advanced IT, biometrics, communications and networking solutions announced that several of its top-ranked solutions have received Level 2 Certification from the Texas Risk and Authorization Management Program (TX-RAMP). The certification encompasses Integra-ID, NeoFace Reveal (NFR), and Insights for NEC Advanced Recognition Systems (ARS). This expanded certification underscores NEC’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions with a rigorous security-by-design approach to ensure privacy for all.

Integra-ID provides users with multimodal biometric search and storage services. Designed for accuracy and speed, data and transactional archiving, and auditing and reporting, all with cloud hosting capabilities. Integra-ID is backed by a comprehensive range of tools for editing, selection, image enhancement, comparison, and verification.

NeoFace Reveal is a face recognition application providing government agencies the ability to identify facial images (ranging from good to very poor quality) by performing either a one-to-many (1:N) search or one-to-one (1:1) verification against a database of any size. NFR can be used by government agencies to support investigations and detect and prevent fraud. NFR stands out for its ability to provide reliable face recognition, capturing, enhancing, organizing, and matching video and graphic images to specific individuals.

Insights including Archive, ERT and Workbench, is a super suite of applications for system administrators to manage, operate and use the NFR system. From a secured web browser, administrators can ascertain overall system status from a customized dashboard, manage user accounts, monitor processed transactions and perform auditing and reporting of all user activity and events.

The TX-RAMP certification is a significant achievement for NEC, as it highlights the company’s dedication to meeting and exceeding the stringent security and compliance standards set by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR). The program, established in response to Texas Senate Bill 475 passed during the 87th Legislative Session, sets forth a standardized approach for the security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring of cloud computing services processing state agency data.

TX-RAMP security criterion requirements are derived from the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). FedRAMP is a United States federal government-wide compliance program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services.

“We are proud to receive Level 2 Certification from TX-RAMP for our ARS Law Enforcement Biometric Product Suite. This recognition reflects NEC’s unwavering commitment to providing advanced and secure solutions while prioritizing privacy,” said Gary Lac, NEC vice president of solutions development, ARS. “We understand the importance of safeguarding sensitive data, and this certification reinforces our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance in the industry,” he added.

With the TX-RAMP certifications in place, NEC is well-positioned to support state agencies and law enforcement in Texas, ensuring that they have access to cutting-edge technology that meets the rigorous security standards mandated by the state.

Accelya’s Cargo Revenue Accounting selected by Air France-KLM

Accelya, a software provider to the airline industry, announced it will provide Air France-KLM with its Cargo Revenue Accounting (CRA) solution, to process and optimize the airline’s cargo billing, settlement and accounting processes. 

Air France-KLM has selected the multi-airline variant of the solution that will be used across the group. With Accelya’s CRA solution, Air France-KLM has access to reliable, comprehensive, and accurate financial monitoring capabilities that enhances cashflow, revenue recognition and reporting process. The airline has selected Accelya’s fully integrated Cargo Revenue Accounting platform, supporting the carrier’s transition from an in-house build capability.

The new contract builds on the two companies’ existing partnership to deliver personalised, dynamic, and bundled offers to Air France-KLM’s customers through Accelya’s FLX Merchandise. 

“Our decision to invest in a new best of breed cargo revenue accounting solution is another key milestone in our overall technology transformation at Air France-KLM. We were impressed with Accelya’s CRA solution and its capability to manage multi-airline requirements. We also appreciate that Accelya offers comprehensive suite of cargo solutions encompassing offer to settle journey of the shipment,” said Joren Laeven, VP controlling commercial at Air France – KLM Cargo. “With Accelya’s Cargo Revenue Accounting platform we have the capability to optimise our financial monitoring, boost revenue, and enhance profitability.”

Accelya says its Cargo Revenue Accounting solution is “easily integrated into airlines’ existing operational and financial systems, as well as industry platforms such as SIS and CASS.” Air France-KLM joins more than 30 airlines already powered by Accelya’s integrated Cargo solutions.

“Extending our partnership with Air France-KLM underlines the consistent value and enhanced experience our Airline Cargo software delivers. Using our Cargo Revenue Accounting solutions, Air France-KLM can optimize its revenue, cash flow and settlement processes,” Andrew Wilcock, chief revenue officer at Accelya, added. “We are thrilled to be supporting the airline’s momentum and are committed to bringing the very best technology and support to Air France-KLM and their customers now and into the future.”

Chess Dynamics Hawkeye MMP Delivers Electromagnetic Compatibility Performance 

UK surveillance specialist Chess Dynamics says their vehicle surveillance system, Hawkeye MMP, has demonstrated electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance as part of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency’s (NDMA) Observation Targeting and Surveillance Systems (OTAS) project. 

In meeting the requirements set by the NDMA, Hawkeye MMP has demonstrated its ability to meet the needs of the modern battlefield and survive, communicate and operate in the tough electromagnetic conditions. 

The unique requirements set out by the NDMA included standard EMC tests such as MIL-STD461 and specifically the precise Nuclear Electro Magnetic Pulse (NEMP). This was alongside more bespoke requirements to ensure compatibility with the vehicle’s existing high frequency, very high frequency and ultra-high frequency radio systems without any internal frequency interference.

Chess developed a multi-staged approach which included board-level testing, meeting UK-based EMC qualifications and complete vehicle system tests, as well as designing novel modular solutions to pass the NEMP testing at the first attempt. Steps were taken alongside the NDMA so that requirements were met while ensuring environmental and usability needs were not impacted. 

“The demands of the battlefield today are increasingly complex and require adaptable, high-performance solutions. The NDMA required a technology of this kind that also met its own strict EMC requirements, and we are thrilled to have succeeded in this. This is a major achievement for Chess, and we believe this technology will be vital as resilience becomes increasingly important to surveillance capability,” said Chris Henderson, Electronics group leader at Chess Dynamics.

“Chess Dynamics was able to provide a solution that passed the EMC tests, proving Hawkeye MMP’s ability to perform while remaining resilient on the battlefield,” according to their client. “We look forward to our continued work with Chess as we look to continuously improve our surveillance capabilities.”

UK Pilot Kidnapped and Robbed in Johannesburg

According to a report in the Telegraph, a British Airways pilot was kidnapped, tortured and beaten by a group who emptied his bank accounts. The incident occurred during a layover in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The pilot, a first officer, was approached by a woman asking him to help carry her bags to her car outside of a supermarket. Upon reaching the vehicle, several men shoved him into the car and proceeded to a remote location where he was allegedly tortured for hours until surrendering “thousands of pounds.”

The pilot was unable to continue his duties and fly the aircraft back to London and a replacement was brought in, according to a report in The Sun. It is apparently the second attack of a British Airways employee in the last six months. Another pilot was stabbed in the leg while on a run and held at gunpoint in 2023. 

“We are supporting our colleague and the local authorities with their investigation,” the airline told The Sun. The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 2 advisory for individuals traveling to South Africa, urging tourists to exercise extreme caution due to prevalent violent crime in the area.

Smiths Detection to Provide Security Screening at Munich Airport

Smiths Detection to Provide Security Screening at Munich Airport

Smiths Detection announced recently that it will supply Munich Airport with 60 HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX carry-on baggage scanners, which should see more than 30 million annual passengers speed through security screening in a third of the time.

The ECAC EDS CB C3 approved cabin baggage screening system harnesses the power of computed tomography (CT) X-ray scanning to produce 3D images alongside Smiths Detection’s industry leading digital expertise, therefore eliminating the need to remove electronic devices, liquids and gels from hand luggage. The technology also reduces the number of trays that need to be returned, which ultimately speeds up the security screening process and improves passenger and security operator experience.

With over 1,000 units sold globally, the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX is the most energy efficient scanner of its type worldwide, featuring low noise levels, zero vibration, and a 30% higher belt speed than other CT X-ray scanners, which the company says helps to promote a calmer checkpoint.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Munich Airport to supply our industry leading CT checkpoint scanner,” said Markus Rossmeisl, Smiths Detection director sales Germany. “Providing an improved security screening experience, the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX will give passengers more time to relax prior to their flight. At the same time, the systems have been able to improve security and reduce the burden on operators, creating a better, faster, safer experience for all.”

The Smiths Detection units will be delivered beginning in January 2024.

Rohde & Schwarz Receives Transportation Security Administration Award to Supply Advanced Imaging Technology to U.S. Airport Security Screening Checkpoints

Rohde & Schwarz Receives Transportation Security Administration Award to Supply Advanced Imaging Technology to U.S. Airport Security Screening Checkpoints

Security equipment maker Rohde & Schwarz announced it has won a $10,967,200.00 award from TSA to supply its QPS201 UHD AIT security scanners to U.S. airport security screening checkpoints.

“We are thrilled to receive this award and supply TSA’s airport security screening checkpoints with the R&S UHD QPS201 AIT,” said Frank Dunn, CEO of Rohde & Schwarz USA. “This award will expand the growing number of U.S. airports, air carriers, and the hundreds of airports world-wide, that utilize our innovative R&S QPS on-person screening technology to support high-volume and highly effective checkpoint security screening operations. TSA’s investment in the QPS will further expand Rohde & Schwarz’s economic impact and create jobs at our facilities in Maryland and Texas.”

“This award from TSA is a major achievement for Rohde & Schwarz,” said Andreas Haegele, vice president of Microwave Imaging. “Our QPS on-person screening technology is the first new body scanner to be qualified and procured by TSA in more than a decade and we look forward to delivering our distinctive passenger-friendly solution to TSA’s U.S. airport checkpoints and the opportunity to support the TSA mission.”

The R&S UHD QPS201 uses safe, millimeter wave radio frequency technology to rapidly and accurately screen passengers for concealed threats. The system requires only a few milliseconds to scan passengers and its open design and hands-down scan pose makes security screening easy and accessible for travelers. The R&S UHD QPS201 achieved TSA qualification in 2022, approving it for use in U.S. airport security screening checkpoints and has achieved the highest levels of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) approvals, with more than 1,000 systems deployed in the world’s busiest airports and security screening operations. In the U.S., the R&S UHD QPS201 is currently deployed at Denver International Airport (DEN), LaGuardia International Airport (LGA), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Newark International Airport (EWR), Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

D-Fend Solutions Expands and Extends Participation in FAA Program for UAS Detection and Mitigation Testing and Evaluation Aimed at Enhancing Airport Safety

D-Fend Solutions Expands and Extends Participation in FAA Program for UAS Detection and Mitigation Testing and Evaluation Aimed at Enhancing Airport Safety

Radio frequency (RF), cyber-based, non-kinetic, non-jamming, counter-drone detection and takeover mitigation technology provider D-FEND Solutions announced it has expanded and extended participation in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Detection and Mitigation Research Program, aimed at achieving safe and efficient airport and National Airspace System (NAS) operations. The company’s core Counter-UAS system, EnforceAir, underwent testing at a second airport site, Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR).

EnforceAir was previously selected for participation in the FAA program at Atlantic City International Airport (KACY). The program enables the FAA to work with major federal departments and agencies to ensure technologies/systems that are developed, tested, or deployed by federal departments and agencies to detect and/or mitigate potential risks posed by errant or hostile UAS operations do not adversely impact or interfere with the safe and efficient operation of the National Airspace System (NAS). The evaluation further ensures that EnforceAir does not adversely impact or interfere with safe airport operations, aircraft navigation, or air traffic services. D-Fend Solutions rapidly progressed from initial testing at one airport to further assessment in a second airport environment. Graduating and completing the second phase at another airport is a major milestone for program participants that are able to demonstrate that their product performs as advertised, generated reliable and accurate data, and warranted further evaluation in another operational setting.

“EnforceAir’s quick progression from first trials at Atlantic City to additional evaluations at Syracuse in this demanding and vital FAA program validates D-Fend’s vision of enabling a flourishing drone-powered society, specifically in aviation, by supporting the growth of safe and secure drone adoption and integration while applying innovation to defend against rogue drone threats at airports,” said Zohar Halachmi, chairman and CEO of D-Fend Solutions.