About
Iris Automation, integrated into the uAvionix ecosystem, delivers aviation-grade airspace situational awareness for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Its flagship product, CASIA G, uses advanced computer vision and AI to detect non-cooperative crewed aircraft—those without ADS-B transponders—giving drone operators a critical layer of safety during BVLOS operations. The full uAvionix/Iris platform combines several components: FlightLine, a dual-frequency ADS-B receiver and cloud infrastructure for cooperative aircraft tracking; CASIA G for non-cooperative aircraft detection via computer vision; Trakr, a hardware tracker for broadcasting real-time drone position over ISM band to ground stations; and skyAlert, a wearable device that audibly alerts UAS crews when aircraft enter proximity zones. All data feeds into the FlightLine Portal or an export API, providing operators, UTM providers, and air traffic management with live fleet visibility and automated proof-of-flight logging. Use cases span BVLOS delivery, drone-as-first-responder (DFR) public safety operations, firefighting support, dock-based autonomous drone operations, and enterprise fleet management at test ranges. The platform is designed for enterprise UAS operators, public safety agencies, and organizations seeking FAA compliance for advanced drone operations without relying solely on human visual observers.
Key Features
- CASIA G Computer Vision Detection: Detects non-cooperative crewed aircraft (without ADS-B) using onboard AI and computer vision, providing a safety layer beyond traditional transponder-based systems.
- Dual-Frequency ADS-B Surveillance (FlightLine): Combines dual-frequency ADS-B receivers with cloud infrastructure to track cooperative aircraft and ground vehicles in real time across the operational area.
- Real-Time UAS Fleet Tracking (Trakr): Attaches to each drone to broadcast real-time position over ISM band to nearby ground stations, with automated proof-of-flight logging via the FlightLine Portal or export API.
- Wearable Proximity Alerting (skyAlert): A body-worn device that audibly notifies UAS ground crews when ADS-B-equipped aircraft enter a defined proximity zone, reducing collision risk.
- Scalable Cloud Portal & Export API: Centralizes airspace data for controllers, drone operators, and UTM providers with live fleet visibility, historical logs, and API export for third-party integration.
Use Cases
- Enterprise drone delivery operators running BVLOS routes who need certified detect-and-avoid capability to replace visual observers and satisfy FAA waiver requirements.
- Public safety agencies deploying drone-as-first-responder (DFR) programs that require real-time awareness of both their own UAS fleet and any manned aircraft in the operational area.
- Firefighting and emergency response teams using drones in active airspace alongside crewed aircraft, where collision risk is high and situational awareness is critical.
- Drone dock and autonomous operations where no on-site pilot is present, requiring ground-based and onboard systems to monitor and manage airspace automatically.
- UAS test range operators and research institutions that need comprehensive airspace monitoring, fleet tracking, and automated logging to support regulatory compliance and safety demonstrations.
Pros
- Detects Non-Cooperative Aircraft: Unlike ADS-B-only solutions, CASIA G's computer vision can identify aircraft without transponders—critical for true BVLOS safety in uncontrolled airspace.
- End-to-End Ecosystem: Combines onboard hardware, ground receivers, wearable alerts, and cloud software in one integrated platform, reducing the need for multi-vendor solutions.
- Supports Regulatory Compliance: Automated proof-of-flight logging and Remote ID broadcasting help operators demonstrate FAA compliance for advanced BVLOS waivers.
Cons
- Enterprise-Only Pricing: The platform is designed for commercial and government operators; pricing and deployment are not self-serve and may require significant investment.
- Hardware Dependency: Full situational awareness requires purchasing and deploying multiple hardware components (CASIA G, Trakr, TrakrStations, skyAlert), increasing upfront costs.
- Limited to Aviation Use Case: The platform is highly specialized for UAS airspace management and is not applicable to general AI or business automation use cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CASIA G and how does it work?
CASIA G is a computer vision system developed by Iris Automation that mounts on drones to detect non-cooperative aircraft—those without ADS-B transponders. It uses AI image recognition to identify and track manned aircraft in real time, triggering avoidance maneuvers or alerts.
What is the difference between FlightLine and CASIA G?
FlightLine handles cooperative aircraft detection via ADS-B receivers and cloud software, while CASIA G uses onboard computer vision to detect non-cooperative aircraft that don't broadcast ADS-B signals. Together they provide complete airspace coverage.
Can Iris Automation's platform support BVLOS drone operations?
Yes. The combined FlightLine + CASIA G system is specifically designed to replace or augment visual observers for BVLOS operations, providing the detect-and-avoid capability required for regulatory approval.
What is Trakr and who should use it?
Trakr is a compact hardware device that attaches to drones and broadcasts their real-time GPS position to nearby TrakrStations or LTE field receivers. It is ideal for enterprise fleet operators and contractors who need to monitor multiple drones and maintain automated proof-of-flight records.
Is there an API available for integration with UTM or third-party systems?
Yes. The uAvionix FlightLine platform offers an export API that allows real-time airspace and drone position data to be integrated with UTM providers, air traffic management systems, and third-party dashboards.
