ST Engineering has received authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to conduct beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) trials over the Lower Seletar reservoir with its DroNet UAS. DroNet is designed to operate autonomously in an urban environment. The system combines networking, video analytics, and data sharing for applications including perimeter security, asset inspection, and lightweight deliveries. 

The Singapore-based company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with CAAS early last year to facilitate the development of BVLOS UAS operations in Singapore’s urban environment. Under the MoU, ST Engineering is providing a suite of technical services for system integration and prototyping in identified areas of interest and is assisting the CAAS to enhance the regulatory requirements for BVLOS UAS operations in Singapore. One application includes the nation’s water infrastructure.

“Remote-sensing technologies on unmanned vehicles such as drones have the potential to provide real-time monitoring of our assets and infrastructure. We are happy to work with ST Engineering to study the feasibility of incorporating such technologies into our existing operations and work processes,” said Michael Toh, chief information officer of PUB, Singapore’s national water agency.