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The technology is expected to enable a single operator to control dozens of semi-autonomous drones at the same time.
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Human-machine technology developer XTEND has been awarded a US$20 million contract by Israel’s Ministry of Defense to develop a multi-drone operating system.
According to the company, the operating system will leverage virtual reality, edge processing and artificial intelligence to enable operators to manage dozens of human-guided, semi-autonomous drones simultaneously.
The deal with the Israeli Ministry of Defense is the latest contract secured by the company, having recently partnered with the US Department of Defense to utilise XTEND technology to support US drone operators manage multiple machines with minimal training.
“We’re witnessing a revolution on the modern battlefield,” a member of the Israeli Defense Forces said.
“Working with XTEND over the last three years, we have already been able to field systems that are now in daily use, and we are confident that this new program will provide a tremendous leap in our operational capabilities.
“Putting the best of civilian technology into the hands of our soldiers. One of the greatest challenges for a program office working with cutting-edge technologies is to find the right industry partners. Along with very few other vendors, we see XTEND as such partner.”
Ido Bar-On, vice president of business development and sales at XTEND, welcomed the opportunity to help provide the Israeli Defense Forces with a competitive edge and to keep operators safe.
“We are very honoured and excited to have been chosen once again by MAFAT, and to collaborate with them on this game-changing project,” Bar-On explained.
“Our continued partnership reflects the trust of the Israeli Ministry of Defense has in our company’s team and technology.
“XTEND’s deep collaboration with MAFAT in recent years has already been operationally proven time and again, reducing the risk to operators and providing them with best of breed technology to give them an operational edge. XTEND and the Ministry of Defense are working to secure the cooperation of other ally countries in this development program.”
