Modal AI has launched a Qualcomm-based autopilot for its UAVs that weighs just 16 g (writes Nick Flaherty).

The VOXL 2 autopilot integrates a PX4real-time flight controller with an eight-core microcontroller with a performance of up to 15 TOPs, two TDKIMUs, a barometer and a 5G connection. There are interfaces to seven image sensors.

VOXL 2 enables autonomy and comms for indoor and outdoor UAVs and robots with vision-based SLAM and AI for movement, and is designed specifically for GPS-denied autonomous UAVs with obstacle avoidance. With a 5G add-on card, VOXL 2 can be used beyond visual line of sight.

The autopilot uses Modal AI’s Blue UAS Framework software developed as part of the US Department of Defense’s Blue SUAS2.0 project, and runs on Qualcomm’s Flight RB55G QRB5165 chipset to provide a US supply chain for parts.

The company is also developing an autonomous mobile robot (AMR)reference design based on the same QRB5165 and VOXL 2 software. The AMR’s design uses the input from front and rear stereo 4K resolution image sensors for GPS-denied navigation in indoor environments. It also integrates ultrasonic object detection and 3Dmapping from a 2D image sensor handled in the AI engine in the chipset.