In a major development for the drone industry, Japan’s drone sector, in collaboration with NEDO (the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization), has led the way in the revision of the ISO collision avoidance standard. The proposal put forward by NEDO for an improved collision avoidance system for UAVs was adopted by ISO, leading to the publication of the new standard, known as ISO21384-3 Unmanned aircraft systems―Part 3: Operational procedures. This international standard will play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of drones, particularly across borders. With the inclusion of self-guided object avoidance, the industry has taken a significant step forward in its development.
Overview
In this article, we will explore the collaboration between Japan’s drone industry and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) to establish a new international standard for collision avoidance in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). We will discuss the importance of international standards in cross-border UAV operations and the centralization of technology development. Additionally, we will examine the new ISO standard for operational procedures in UAVs and the role of Subaru, Japan Radio, and ACSL in its development. We will also delve into the global frameworks for UAV development and their impact on drone manufacturers and software developers. Lastly, we will provide information about Miriam McNabb, the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE, who has extensive experience and expertise in the drone industry.
Background
ISO Standards for Collision Avoidance
ISO, the International Standards Organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, has been working on establishing standards for collision avoidance in various industries, including the drone industry. These standards ensure the safe operation of UAVs and promote a harmonized approach across different countries and industries.
ISO Standards for Drones
ISO standards specifically related to drones cover a wide range of aspects, including safety, security, operational procedures, and performance. These standards aim to provide guidelines for manufacturers, operators, and regulators to ensure the safe and efficient use of drones.
ISO Standards for UAS
ISO also develops standards for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), which encompass both the drone itself and its supporting infrastructure. These standards address aspects such as communication systems, data exchange, and integration with existing air traffic management systems.
Japan’s Drone Industry
Japan has a thriving drone industry that encompasses a wide range of applications, including agriculture, construction, delivery, inspection, public safety, and surveying. The country has been at the forefront of drone technology development and has been actively involved in shaping international standards.
JUIDA
The Japan UAS Industrial Development Association (JUIDA) is an organization dedicated to promoting the development and adoption of unmanned aircraft systems in Japan. JUIDA has played a crucial role in facilitating collaboration between industry players and government agencies to drive innovation and standardization.
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Collaboration for Standard Revision
NEDO’s Proposal
The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), a Japanese government agency, proposed an improved collision avoidance system for UAVs. This proposal aimed to enhance the safety and reliability of drone operations, especially in complex airspace environments.
ISO Adoption
NEDO’s proposal for an improved collision avoidance system was adopted as a revision to the ISO standard. This achievement demonstrates the recognition of Japan’s expertise in the drone industry and the importance of collaboration between industry players and international standardization bodies.
Development Partners
Subaru, Japan Radio, and ACSL collaborated on the development of the new collision avoidance standard. These companies brought their expertise in drone technology, communication systems, and operational procedures to ensure the effectiveness and practicality of the standard.
Standardization in the Industry
The collaboration between industry players and the adoption of international standards for collision avoidance in UAVs are crucial steps towards standardizing operations and ensuring the safe integration of drones into existing airspace systems. This collaboration promotes interoperability and facilitates global drone operations.
Importance of International Standards
Cross-Border UAV Operations
Without standardized collision-avoidance procedures, cross-border UAV operations can be challenging and risky. International standards provide a common framework for drone operators, allowing them to comply with regulations and ensure the safe operation of their drones in different countries.
Centralization of Technology Development
By establishing international standards, the development of collision-avoidance technology can be centralized. This centralization promotes collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry players, leading to more effective and innovative solutions for collision avoidance in UAVs.
UTM Programs and International Standards
As Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) programs become more common globally, international standards play a crucial role in facilitating the integration of drones into existing airspace systems. These standards ensure the seamless and safe operation of drones within UTM frameworks, promoting the growth of the drone industry.
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New Standard Overview
ISO21384-3 Unmanned aircraft systems―Part 3: Operational procedures
The new ISO standard, published as “ISO21384-3 Unmanned aircraft systems―Part 3: Operational procedures,” provides guidelines for the operational procedures of UAVs. This standard encompasses various aspects, including collision avoidance, flight planning, emergency procedures, and communication protocols.
CONOPS Chapter
The new chapter on CONOPS (concept of operations) in the ISO standard outlines a 6-step process that UAVs should follow when engaged in collision avoidance. This process starts with object detection and recognition and ends with a return to the previous flight path.
6-Step Process for Collision Avoidance
The 6-step process outlined in the ISO standard provides a systematic approach to collision avoidance in UAVs. It includes steps such as analyzing the threat level, determining the appropriate avoidance maneuver, and evaluating the success of the collision-avoidance action.
Role of Subaru, Japan Radio, and ACSL
Drafting the Initial Standard
Subaru played a pivotal role in drafting the initial standard for collision avoidance. Leveraging their expertise in drone technology, Subaru contributed to the development of effective operational procedures that prioritize safety and reliability.
Testing and Demonstration of Implementation
Japan Radio Co. and ACSL collaborated with Subaru to test and demonstrate the implementation of the collision avoidance system. Through extensive testing, these companies ensured the functionality and effectiveness of the system in real-world scenarios.
Importance of Self-Guided Object Avoidance
The international standard for drone development now includes self-guided object avoidance, a critical feature that enables drones to autonomously detect and avoid obstacles. This technological advancement enhances the safety and reliability of drone operations, particularly in complex environments.
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Global Frameworks for UAV Development
ISO’s Announcement in 2018
The process of establishing global frameworks for UAV development and operation has been ongoing for several years. In 2018, the ISO announced that new global standards would be published, addressing the needs of international air control organizations and promoting the safe and efficient use of drones.
Importance of Global Standards
Global standards play a vital role in ensuring the interoperability and compatibility of drones across different regions. These standards facilitate the development of innovative solutions, promote international collaboration, and drive the growth of the drone industry.
Impact on Drone Manufacturers and Software Developers
Global standards have a significant impact on the drone manufacturing and software development industries. Manufacturers must comply with these standards to ensure the safety and quality of their products, while software developers need to align their solutions with these standards for compatibility and interoperability.
About Miriam McNabb
Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE, a leading publication in the drone industry. With over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space, Miriam is a recognized figure in the industry and an expert on regulatory and industry trends.
Experience and Expertise
Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high-tech sales and marketing for new technologies. Her extensive knowledge of the drone industry and regulatory landscape makes her a trusted source of information and insights.
Contact Information
For drone industry consulting or writing, you can contact Miriam McNabb through the DRONELIFE website or via email. Miriam is available to provide expertise and guidance on drone-related topics and industry developments.
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Conclusion
The collaboration between Japan’s drone industry, NEDO, and the ISO has led to the establishment of a new international standard for collision avoidance in UAVs. This standardization effort promotes the safe and efficient operation of drones and facilitates cross-border operations. International standards play a crucial role in the development of the drone industry, providing a common framework for manufacturers, operators, and regulators. With the support of global standards, the drone industry can continue to innovate and address the evolving needs of various sectors.