A Breakthrough in UAV Lidar: Teledyne Geospatial and Inertial Labs Launch EchoONE, an NDAA-Compliant, Lightweight Solution

In the evolving landscape of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) lidar technology, two industry leaders, Teledyne Geospatial and Inertial Labs, have joined forces to introduce EchoONE. Launched in September 2024, EchoONE represents a groundbreaking advancement in lightweight, high-performance lidar technology. Designed for affordability, precision, and compliance with stringent data security standards, this new system is set to change the game for industries such as land surveying, utility management, transportation, and infrastructure.

EchoONE is the result of a unique collaboration that combines Teledyne’s advanced lidar and camera technology with Inertial Labs’ expertise in Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and Inertial Navigation Systems (INS). “This collaboration allowed us to deliver a product that genuinely meets the needs of diverse industries,” said Mark Treiber, Product Manager at Teledyne Geospatial, in a recent interview. “It’s not just about lidar; it’s about creating a comprehensive tool that brings reliability and ease of use to every project.”

Bridging Two Worlds: A Collaboration Rooted in Complementary Strengths

The EchoONE project was born from a desire to merge the best capabilities of two companies with strong track records in sensor technology. Teledyne Geospatial brought its long-standing expertise in developing long-range lidar systems, producing the EchoONE’s lidar sensor entirely in-house, instead of relying on off-the-shelf components. This bespoke approach allows for greater control over the sensor’s specifications and performance.

Meanwhile, Inertial Labs integrated its IMU and INS technology, which are essential for accurate positioning and orientation. Their RESEPI (Remote Sensing Payload Instrument) technology enables seamless data integration, further enhancing EchoONE’s capabilities. “We recognized an opportunity to leverage our mutual strengths to develop a solution that fills a gap in the market,” Treiber explained.

The result is a UAV lidar system that offers an unprecedented combination of performance, flexibility, and compliance—without the trade-offs that often force customers to compromise between different features.

Affordable Compliance: The Importance of NDAA Standards

NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) compliance has become increasingly critical in the UAV industry, particularly for projects involving sensitive or classified data. By ensuring that all digital components of EchoONE meet stringent security standards, the system guarantees that data remains protected from unauthorized access. Treiber elaborated, “NDAA compliance is not just a technical box to check; it’s a fundamental requirement for government and critical infrastructure projects. This ensures that data is secure from third-party breaches, which is essential for maintaining trust in lidar solutions used for high-stakes applications.”

Despite its compliance with these rigorous standards, EchoONE remains accessible from a cost perspective. “We’ve priced the EchoONE to be competitive with mid-market sensors,” Treiber noted, positioning the system as a viable choice for industries seeking high-quality lidar capabilities without a premium price tag. By offering a compliant and affordable option, EchoONE stands out as a unique product in an often high-cost market.

Versatility Across UAV Platforms and Applications

Weighing only 1.2 kg, EchoONE is designed for optimal flexibility, allowing it to be easily mounted on various UAV platforms, including popular models such as the Freefly Astro, Inspired Flight IF800, and DJI M300/M350. This makes it possible for users to undertake projects with minimal logistical hurdles, a significant improvement over past systems that required bulky equipment and complex transportation.

Treiber recalled a project from several years ago that required transporting nine pelican cases to the site—a stark contrast to EchoONE’s portability. “With EchoONE, you can transport everything you need in the back of a car or on a commercial flight. It’s a single-case solution that’s easy to deploy and operate,” he said.

This portability also extends to its usability across a range of industries. For example, in land surveying, the device’s long range allows for the capture of detailed terrain data over large areas, while in electric utility management, its ability to accurately map vegetation provides crucial insights for maintenance and risk assessment. “The flexibility to use this on different UAVs and for varied projects makes it a highly versatile tool,” Treiber added.

Unmatched Accuracy and Real-Time Processing Capabilities

EchoONE’s ability to generate engineering-grade 3D point clouds in real-time sets it apart from many of its competitors. The system produces full undecimated georeferenced point clouds directly on the sensor, allowing operators to perform in-field verification immediately after landing. This means users can ensure data completeness and accuracy without needing to revisit sites—a capability that can save time and resources.

“In-field quality control is a major advantage of EchoONE,” Treiber said. “You can verify the coverage and make sure the data meets your standards right there, before you leave the site. It’s a game-changer for ensuring data accuracy without the need for multiple trips.”

Additionally, the RESEPI platform enables streamlined post-processing through its PC-Master Pro software. With a “one-click” solution, users can produce high-accuracy deliverables efficiently, transforming the collected data into actionable insights. EchoONE’s upcoming API will further enhance this capability by enabling real-time data streaming, opening up new possibilities for dynamic workflows and faster decision-making.

A Range Built for Demanding Projects

EchoONE’s data collection range of 120 meters—far beyond the regulatory limit of 400 feet for UAV operations—expands its operational capabilities, particularly for projects that involve large or complex areas. Treiber highlighted how this range can be adjusted to suit specific project needs, such as flying higher for broader coverage or maintaining accuracy over vegetated terrain where laser power is needed to penetrate foliage.

“For applications like infrastructure inspection or forested area mapping, having a longer range and higher laser power allows you to capture ground returns even in dense vegetation,” Treiber said. “It provides the flexibility to adapt to different environments and conditions.”

Strong Market Reception and Future Prospects

Since its launch, EchoONE has generated significant interest from potential customers, who are drawn to its unique blend of lightweight design, NDAA compliance, and affordability. Treiber shared that feedback has been particularly positive from industries that require secure, high-quality lidar data without the high costs typically associated with top-tier systems.

“The response has been fantastic,” he said. “People are excited about the combination of features we’re offering, which is something they haven’t seen in a single product before. EchoONE is positioned to fill a real gap in the market.”

Looking to the Future: A New Standard for UAV Lidar

As EchoONE makes its debut at INTERGEO 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany, Teledyne Geospatial and Inertial Labs are optimistic about the product’s potential to shape the future of UAV lidar technology. By offering a high-performance, compliant, and versatile solution, the companies aim to provide industries with the tools needed to conduct precise, reliable data collection for a wide range of applications.

For more information on EchoONE and to explore its capabilities, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Teledyne Geospatial and Inertial Labs booths at INTERGEO 2024 or check out their websites. With EchoONE now available for order, the stage is set for this innovative solution to redefine expectations for UAV-based lidar systems.

In Conclusion

EchoONE’s introduction marks a significant step forward in the field of UAV lidar technology. Its combination of advanced features—lightweight design, real-time processing, long-range capability, and NDAA compliance—ensures that it is well-positioned to become a vital tool for industries that rely on accurate, secure data collection. As data security becomes increasingly important, EchoONE offers an effective, affordable solution that meets the diverse needs of its users.

“This is just the beginning,” Treiber concluded. “We’re looking forward to seeing how EchoONE will be used across various projects and industries. It’s an exciting time for lidar technology, and we’re thrilled to be at the forefront of this innovation.”

Tags: 3D Point Clouds, EchoONE, Inertial Labs, NDAA Compliance, Teledyne Geospatial, UAV Lidar

Category: Teledyne Geospatial

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