BMT obtains patent for SPARROW package conveying equipment
DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby
The world’s leading design, engineering, science and risk management consultancy BMT has received a patent from the UK Intellectual Property Office for its ‘SPARROW’ autonomous air-ground payload transfer device, which is ideal for military drone delivery in addition to civilian applications.
“BMT’s patent demonstrates a new type of suspended robotic device: one that is responsible for the last moments of payload delivery and better suited to challenging and sensitive environments. High robotic devices can even autonomously collect packages and deliver them without the need for ground infrastructure,” said Phil Metcalfe, Regional Business Director for the UK and Europe. “By developing this autonomous and versatile concept, the project team provided an excellent example of how BMT can proactively apply innovation to solve complex customer problems. I was very excited to participate in the “Army Warfighting Experiment” (AWE) 23. Our robust technology has the potential to help the Army plan for a future “digital backbone.”
SPARROW addresses the problem of noisy and intrusive delivery drones that need to land or hover above the payload’s destination. Unlike the winch systems employed in current trials of delivery drones, the SPARROW lowers both itself and the payload at the bottom of the line and attaches the top to the top of the drone. This allows for more control over payloads and allows larger delivery drones to stay out of the way at higher altitudes. Much smaller than a drone and requiring no rotors to generate lift, the SPARROW is perfect for safe and quiet deliveries.
Dr. Steve Wright, BMT development partner at Wright Airborne Computing, said: “SPARROW is the perfect example of this revolution, fueled by his happy fusion of 21st century technology, combining computers and software that an engineer like me could only dream of 30 years before him. increase.”
Originally developed for defense applications, SPARROW was selected as a highly competitive ‘Army Warfighting Experiment’ by the UK Ministry of Defence early in its development. Its first demonstration will take place at Portsmouth Naval Station, UK, in November 2022, followed by a related “exploitation event” in February 2023.
AWE 23’s independent product evaluation report notes, “As the system is further developed, it will offer capabilities unlike others known to the defense.” We are now able to deliver payloads over terrain, reducing risk to both the airframe, payloads and ground personnel.”
In addition to defense applications, the solution has potential value in areas such as manned helicopter operations, ship-to-shore deliveries, support for high-rise structure maintenance technicians, emergency services, and domestic e-commerce deliveries. I have. The project aims to partner and license the technology to established operators for further research and development.
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Ian attended Dominican University in California and graduated with a BA in English in 2019. With his lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and keen interest in technology, he now contributes to his DroneLife as a staff writer.
Miriam McNabb, editor-in-chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of professional drone services marketplace JobForDrones, is a fascinating observer of the emerging drone industry and drone regulatory environment. With her 3,000+ articles focused on the commercial drone space, Miriam is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and high tech she has over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing new technologies.
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