March 20th, 2024
ModalAI Expands Suite of NDAA-Compliant Drone Components to Advance U.S. Drone Industry

SAN DIEGO- ModalAI, a Blue UAS Framework drone and autopilot manufacturer, celebrated for its 16g autonomous UAS autopilot VOXL 2, today announced availability of NDAA-compliant drone accessories. ModalAI is expanding its technology offerings with the addition of three ESCs and a computer vision image sensor. These accessories join ModalAI’s suite of NDAA-compliant products that are available at https://www.modalai.com/collections/blue-uas-framework-components.

ModalAI Offers the Building Blocks for Compliant Autonomous Drones

ModalAI has been at the forefront of manufacturing UAS components that are compliant with the NDAA ‘20 Section 848. ModalAI has twice partnered with DIU to develop advanced autonomous autopilot systems for the Blue UAS Framework program which procures interoperable, approved hardware for UAS development. VOXL 2 is the foundation of that program and has been integrated in over 300 UAS designs.

“VOXL 2 is driving the industry to advanced, state of the art UAS,” said Chad Sweet, CEO and co-founder of ModalAI. “We’re excited to offer more NDAA-compliant components to complement the incredible computing power of VOXL 2.”

ModalAI’s New Components take VOXL 2 Drones to the Next Level

ESCs and image sensors are critical parts of the drone’s operation that control motor speed and perception respectively. ModalAI’s new, efficient, active-braking ESCs are thoughtfully engineered with SWAP in mind for improved reliability and thermal characteristics. The new global shutter image sensor unlocks computer vision tasks.

ESCs:

• Mini M0129: Can now power VOXL 2 and VOXL 2 Mini. 40A burst, 15A continuous, 36.5 x 36.5mm, 6.0V-16.8V (2-4S Lipo). 3.8V or 5V @ 6A output power options for VOXL 2 or VOXL 2 Mini. COO USA.
• 4-in-1 M0134: Now supports up to 6S batteries. 50A burst, 20A continuous, 40.5 x 40.5mm, 6.0V-25.2V (2-6S Lipo). COO USA.
• FPV M0138: New design for high-current UAS with burst up to 100A per channel, 45A continuous. 45.5 x 59.0mm, 6.0V-25.2V (2-6S Lipo). 5.0V @ 6A output power VOXL 2. COO USA.

Computer vision image sensor

• M0149: OnSemi AR0144 ¼ inch fisheye lens sensor with flexible PCB cabling. COO Taiwan.

These new components are compatible with ModalAI’s flagship VOXL 2, a companion computer and flight controller that enables autonomy and communications for drones and robots with vision-based SLAM and AI for movement, designed specifically for GPS-denied, autonomous UAVs with obstacle avoidance.

About ModalAI, Inc.

ModalAI^® accelerates development of smaller, smarter and safer drones and robots with SWAP-optimized Blue UAS Framework autopilots built in the U.S.A. The company’s highly-integrated AI-powered modules empower a variety of industries to utilize aerial and ground autonomous navigation systems that communicate on 4G and 5G cellular networks.

Based in San Diego, California, ModalAI was formed by former Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. R&D leadership in 2018 and builds on their prior research and development in the drone and robotic markets. ModalAI’s VOXL product line helps manufacturers and independent builders get to market quickly and affordably. For more information, visit www.modalai.com.