SFL SCIENTIFIC’S UAV-BASED AI SYSTEM DEPLOYS ALONGSIDE DOD OPERATIVES IN FIELD EXERCISES, RECEIVING POSITIVE EVALUATIONS FROM WARFIGHTERS
Cutting-edge technologies compete at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s annual Chemical Biological Operations Analysis event. SFL Scientific’s drone-mounted machine learning system, OptoAI, deployed alongside warfighters to test its capabilities in the field. OptoAI attaches to existing UAVs, which then become semi-autonomous: Multiple drones can be dispatched on patrol, inspecting or mapping flights using one-click autopilot software. Multi-modal sensors recognize entities on EO, IR, and CBRN spectrums. Embedded AI models are custom trained to detect mission-specific targets of interest even under low-data constraints. Drone feeds and detected targets are displayed in real time on 2D touchscreens and holographic 3D maps, giving users direct insight and control into the area of operations.
OptoAI’s flexible situational awareness is dual-use: Its adaptive tracking and real-time BVLOS capabilities support ISR needs, while defect inspection workflows benefit from its high accuracy and LiDAR-based 3D digital mapping functionality. Dr. Mike Segala, OptoAI’s director, reflected: “OptoAI isn’t a replacement; it’s a tool to empower people to get things done more effectively, cheaper, and safer.”