Advanced Robotics and Remote Sensing Group Wins AUVSI Award
GBA was selected as the first-place entry for the Commercial/Enterprise Operation category of the XCELLENCE Awards. The Association for Unmanned Vehicles Systems International (AUVSI) chose GBA from a pool of accomplished applicants and several finalists. Winners were announced during the awards ceremony at the AUVSI XPONENTIAL trade show on Tuesday, April 30 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.
GBA’s Advanced Robotics & Remote Sensing (ARRS) Group provides remarkable solutions for clients through aerial, interior and marine data collection. AUVSI recognized the group’s work using infrared (IR) bridge assessment scanning for KDOT’s I-135 Canal Route Bridge Repair in Wichita, Kansas. GBA’s Bridge and ARRS groups worked together to collect data on the two bridges, which span over two miles and carry 90,000 vehicles a day, while minimizing any impact to the public.
GBA’s use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) saved time while still providing an informative deliverable. Aerial scanning decreased the amount of time inspectors needed to be on the ground with closed traffic lanes. Minimal closures were used only to spot-check UAV findings. The results of these findings were delivered to the client in a web-based GIS application, which can be revisited for later verification or investigation.
“The rapid growth of the unmanned systems industry is reshaping our future by expanding business markets, providing consumers with innovative solutions and even saving lives,” said Brian Wynne, president and CEO of AUVSI. “The XCELLENCE awards recognize companies and individuals who are achieving remarkable results with unmanned systems technology to benefit our communities.”
The AUVSI XCELLENCE Awards honor innovators in the unmanned systems industry, including individuals and organizations, with a demonstrated commitment to advancing technology, leading and promoting safe operations, and developing programs that use unmanned systems to improve the human condition.
“We began applying infrared bridge assessment methods based on research from the academic field three years ago,” said Ben Lindner, GBA ARRS Group Leader. “As our group’s capabilities continue to expand, we’re excited to receive this honor from AUVSI.”
About AUVSI
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)—the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of unmanned systems and robotics—represents corporations and professionals from more than 60 countries involved in industry, government and academia. AUVSI members work in the defense, civil and commercial markets. For more information, visit: AUVSI.org.