US-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer Robota has selected LeddarTech’s LeddarOne optical sensor, which will be used as the altimeter for its new Eclipse fixed-wing UAV.

Designed for professional surveying applications, Eclipse is also using LeddarOne for auto-piloting.

A fixed-beam LiDAR solution, LeddarOne will provide precise, real-time, height-above-ground-level measurements required by Eclipse during its sensitive landing phase.

“Finding a small sensor with sufficient range and precision that would work in a variety of outdoor conditions turned out to be very challenging."

Launched this year, Robota’s Eclipse UAV is an advanced mapping system that can cover around 400 acres of area in a 50min flight and can capture high-resolution images with its on-board cameras.

The UAV can be used for several applications such as agriculture, construction, mining and urban analysis.

Robota president Antonio Liska said: “Finding a small sensor with sufficient range and precision that would work in a variety of outdoor conditions turned out to be very challenging.

“When selecting an altimeter for the Eclipse, we considered many criteria, including size, power consumption, detection range, refresh rate and reliable detection on targets in various conditions, including snow.”

Compared to ultrasonic sensors, LeddarOne optical sensor offers improved range, accuracy, speed and environmental durability.

Using a diffuse infrared LED source, LeddarOne provides a wider light beam.

Its proprietary digital signal accumulation and oversampling offers better terrain measurements and provides constant readings, especially in cases of flying over brush, bushes or tall grass.

In September, LeddarTech unveiled new platform for next generation of its Leddar detection and LeddarVu ranging modules.

Image: Robota’s Eclipse UAV is an advanced mapping system that can be used for professional surveying applications. Photo: courtesy of LeddarTech.