Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 2

Canadian-based InDro Robotics seeks to partner with SAIT to develop and validate a Cargo Delivery Operator Certificate - RPAS & BVLOS, supported by new Standard Operating Procedures and training. The application of this technology is required for industrial, municipal and emergency operations such as the delivery of medical supplies and interactive interventions for health and safety purposes in remote areas - particularly applicable to Indigenous communities. Currently Transport Canada restricts the operations of BVLOS systems with payloads over 25kg in many parts of Canada. The project's primary outcome is the design and development of a fully validated payload system for the Swiss Drone SD050 V2 involving the development of a Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) and a robust set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with appropriate levels of training. Enhanced RPAS Communications -- such as satellite-based or enhanced radio-based communication and first-person camera integration to support remote landing of RPAS -- will be integrated into a Mobile Base Command Centre. The 12 month projects' work will focus on issues of public safety as well as the safety of RPA operators, and designed to satisfy Transport Canada's safety requirements for BVLOS operation. The exceptional combination of the SAIT RPAS team's knowledge of global safety standards and InDro Robotics' expertise in BVLOS operation of RPAs provides a unique opportunity to revolutionize safe operation of BVLOS RPAS over 25kg.