Paramedics carry out a search and rescue exercise conducted with a small UAS piloted by operators utilizing Kongsberg Geospatials IRIS Airspace Management software for advanced situational awareness.

“I feel that this initiative by Kongsberg Geospatial has the potential to enhance our organization’s ability to provide timely and effective SAR (Search and Rescue) assistance”

OTTAWA, Ontario (PRWEB)
May 22, 2020

Kongsberg Geospatial, developer of the TerraLens Geospatial SDK, and Larus Technologies of Ottawa, Canada, and the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association of Canada (CASARA), announced today that they have been selected by Public Safety Canada to integrate geospatial software, artificial intelligence, and machine vision software to help develop new methods for the use of drones in search and rescue operations in remote communities in Canada.

The project will be funded by the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF), and has been dubbed OVERSEE – an acronym for “Optical Vision Enhancement and Refinement of Sensor Exploitation Effectiveness”. The OVERSEE project is intended to help address the unique challenges of conducting search and rescue operations in remote areas (such as indigenous communities in the Arctic and their immediate surrounding area) with UAS platforms.

OVERSEE will initially employ available search and rescue statistics from the Department of National Defence, CASARA, Transport Canada and other agencies and execute simulations driven by Artificial Intelligence. The AI will use Deep Learning techniques to investigate how BVLOS regulation effects SAR efforts that make use of drones, and how drones have been integrated most effectively in search and rescue operations, particularly for isolated indigenous communities in Canada’s North that don’t have quick access to Aeronautical search and rescue assets

Ultimately the goal of this research is to help CASARA members and GSAR (Ground Search and Rescue) workers use BVLOS drones more effectively in search and rescue operations.

Kongsberg Geospatial will be leading the project, contributing their expertise in precision mapping, Air Traffic Management, and the development of multi-vehicle UAS control stations for BVLOS missions to help develop tools and procedures for the safe, effective use of drones for search and rescue missions in remote areas. They will also be contributing tools and training for machine vision techniques.

Larus Technologies specializes in Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems for defence applications, and will be contributing their Total::Perception™ simulation engine and Total::Vision™ computer vision technology to the project.

CASARA will be helping to gather drone video from training exercises throughout Canada in cooperation with its volunteers, as well as search and rescue event statistics from community organizations. Upon completion of the project, CASARA membership will help to circulate the SOPs derived from the project to their membership of Civil Air Search and Rescue workers and volunteers across Canada to ensure that everyone has access to the improved UAS SAR guidance.

While the project is primarily funded through Public Safety Canada’s SAR NIF fund, all three partners will be making in-kind contributions in software licenses, technology, and professional services.

“I feel that this initiative by Kongsberg Geospatial has the potential to enhance our organization’s ability to provide timely and effective SAR (Search and Rescue) assistance”, said Frank Schuurmans, President of CASARA. “We look forward to working closely with Kongsberg Geospatial, Larus Technologies and DND on this project by providing SAR consultation for all requested phases, providing information and research dissemination through our existing communication channels, and by seeking volunteers from within our organization to participate in Computer Vision training activities.”

Kongsberg Geospatial president, Ranald McGillis, said that the project team hopes to help make a meaningful contribution to search and rescue operations in remote and aboriginal communities. “We and our partners believe that this project can help search and rescue volunteers save lives in isolated communities by using inexpensive, off-the-shelf drones to conduct searches until the Canadian Air Force or other aeronautical assets can join the search. We also hope to increase survival rates by showcasing how drone systems can be augmented with Computer Vision systems for improved performance.”

The OVERSEE project is expected to be completed some time in 2021.

About Kongsberg Geospatial: Based in Ottawa, Canada, Kongsberg Geospatial (http://www.kongsberggeospatial.com) creates precision real-time software for air traffic control, unmanned systems, and situational awareness. The Company’s products are primarily deployed in solutions for air-traffic control, Command and Control, and air defense. Over nearly three decades of providing dependable performance under extreme conditions, Kongsberg Geospatial has become the leading geospatial technology provider for mission-critical applications where lives are on the line. Kongsberg Geospatial is a subsidiary of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

Media contact: 1-800-267-2626 or reach us by email at info@kongsberggeospatial.com

About SAR NIF: The Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF) is managed by Public Safety Canada in partnership with federal, provincial and territorial SAR organizations. The intent of SAR NIF is to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, economy, and innovation of search and rescue activities as they relate to the response and prevention objectives of the National Search and Rescue Program.

About Larus Technologies: Based in Ottawa, Canada, Larus Technologies (http://larus.com/) creates applications for data analytics and C4ISR applications. Their Total::Insight™ SDK is the first predictive analytics multi-sensor, multi-source, decision support system (DSS) for Defense Contractors developing mission-critical C4ISR systems and Security systems.

About CASARA: Based in Winnipeg, MB, the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) is a Canada-wide volunteer non-profit aviation association dedicated to the promotion of Search and Rescue awareness, and to the provision of trained and effective air search support services to supplement Canada’s National Search and Rescue program. CASARA operates in all 13 provinces and territories.

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Scoob! and Scooby-Doo iTech Jr. Kids Smartwatch sold exclusively at Walmart.

The iTECH Jr. is a children’s smartwatch that will feature special edition character prints of both Scooby-Doo and Scoob (the puppy version) on the watch band.

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
May 21, 2020

Scooby-Doo has been one of the most beloved animated franchises for more than 50 years, with the animated television series first produced in 1969. Playful and adventurous, Scooby’s appeal and adventures are evenly split amongst boys and girls worldwide. Today, the mystery-solving fun and entertaining characters continue to grow and offer endless possibilities for partners. The all-new “SCOOB!” explores the never-before told stories of Scooby-Doo’s origins and the greatest mystery in the career of the young detectives of Mystery Inc. “SCOOB!” is available now for a 48-hour rental via Premium Video On Demand or premium digital ownership.

The iTECH Jr. is a children’s smartwatch that will feature special edition character prints of both Scooby-Doo and Scoob (the puppy version) on the watch band. The kid’s smartwatch features fun learning games, a swivel camera for photos and videos including creative photo effects and custom Scooby-Doo and Scoob backgrounds, while interactively encouraging children to grow and develop independence with an alarm clock, stopwatch, timer, and voice recorder features. The iTECH Jr. allows kids to be engaged and safe without the use of GPS tracking or data connection and is perfect for children ages four and older.

The collection has a Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price of $75 and will be sold exclusively at Walmart stores across the country and online at Walmart.com.

About American Exchange Group

American Exchange Group is an industry leader in accessories design and manufacturing.

By facilitating distribution to major retailers worldwide for custom private label brands, exclusive licensed brands, and branded accessories including watches, wearable technology, jewelry, footwear, and handbags, American Exchange Group raises the bar by disrupting status quo pricing while staying at the forefront of trends.

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), a WarnerMedia Company, extends the Studio’s powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world. WBCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on an award-winning range of toys, fashion, home décor, and publishing inspired by franchises and properties such as DC, Wizarding World, Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera, HBO, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. The division’s successful global themed entertainment business includes groundbreaking experiences such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, promotional partnerships and themed experiences, WBCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

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NEWARK, Del. (PRWEB)
May 21, 2020

Glewed TV, a leading video-on-demand (VOD) discovery, live distribution and monetization management platform for original and professionally produced video content, today announced it will distribute its content on The Roku Channel, the home for free and premium entertainment on the Roku platform.

“Content distribution deals with partners like Roku are an important part of Glewed TV’s business today,” Melody Wolff, Chief Marketing Officer, Glewed TV. “We want to get our premium content in front of as many consumers as possible. The Roku Channel’s massive user base allows us to accelerate our content distribution efforts while helping us to monetize our content even more effectively.”

Roku is the No. 1 TV streaming platform in the U.S. by hours streamed according to Kantar (May 2020). In Q1, The Roku Channel reached households with an estimated 36 million people.

Wolff continued, “The cord is being cut — people are ditching cable for streaming as their primary way of viewing TV. As viewers migrate to streaming, advertisers are unlocking investment opportunities in OTT. We look forward to continuing to share all of Glewed TV’s business activity and traction as there’s more news to come.”

Glewed TV was recently included in the Convergent TV LUMAscape created by marketing investment firm LUMA Partners. LUMAscapes are some of the industry’s most widely referenced resources. They organize the ecosystem across all critical categories and provide clarity to a complex digital media and marketing landscape. Glewed TV appeared in the “over-the-top (OTT) distribution category, alongside various long-standing industry leaders, including Netflix, Roku, Amazon, Hulu and Youtube, to name a few.

About Glewed TV

Glewed TV was founded by a team of creators and technologists that have successfully launched multiple streaming channels in the past five years. Glewed TV is one of the ways cord cutters are saving with free access to premium on-demand content. No subscription fees are required to watch movies and TV programs that are unique, engaging, immediate and convenient. Glewed TV is ad-supported and free across all platforms. Glewed TV sources and produces content of high production value with over 10,000 hours available. Main content categories include food, children, sports, DIY, educational, documentaries, animals/wildlife, travel, comedy, product reviews and movies.

Roku is a registered trademark of Roku, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries.

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The compact CP2E Series all-in-one controller features an extended temperature range that integrates I/O ports, communication and motion control and increases reliability in a variety of applications.

Omron’s new CP2E controller improves manufacturing productivity and quality by making it easy to visualize the performance and data of connected machines through simple programming.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (PRWEB)
May 21, 2020

Industry-leading supplier of end-to-end automation solutions Omron Automation Americas recently announced the release of its new CP2E Series all-in-one controller that provides advanced control that enables IIoT connectivity for compact machines. The controller improves manufacturing productivity and quality by making it easy to visualize the performance and data of connected machines through simple programming.

Manufacturers are constantly driven to streamline their processes from machine setup to operation and maintenance. Even with compact machines and limited budgets, it’s essential to make good use of production data to visualize machine performance and prevent unexpected shutdowns. However, these demands are difficult to meet because they often require an expensive controller to build an IIoT ready system.

The CP2E cost-effectively enables IIoT connectivity for compact machines. The controller collects machine performance data and shares the necessary information with enterprise networks, while the predefined program data and function blocks allow virtually anyone to set up machines to perform complex control. This dramatically reduces the time required for programming, testing, debugging, and maintenance.

In addition, the CP2E’s extended operating temperature range makes it a reliable option for machines in non-manufacturing industries, such as infrastructure and agriculture, where the demand for controllers is increasing. These industries have typically used non-standard controllers that customers have to manage and maintain using their own expertise, since environmental resistance as well as IIoT is crucial. The CP2E gives these customers a more user-friendly option.

Key features and benefits of the CP2E include the following:

• 
  Improved connectivity for Ethernet and serial devices. The CP2E has two Ethernet ports with Ethernet switching function: host and HMI connectivity. Up to three serial ports are available for open connectivity to serial devices.
• Reduced effort for the setup of complex machines. Function blocks make it easy to achieve 4-axis positioning function with linear interpolation, and the CP2E also provides a PID control with autotuning function block for stable temperature control.
• Simplified troubleshooting. The CP2E’s input/output terminal LED indicators ensure quick and easy root cause identification, while the controller’s ability to automatically detect and recover from bit corruption increase machine efficiency and avoids CPU stops.
• Increased peace of mind. The CP2E is a reliable “install and forget” solution for demanding environmental conditions, as its extended operational temperature increases reliability in special applications and its battery-free operation reduces maintenance costs.

Industry professionals interested in learning more about this unique solution for compact machine control are encouraged to visit the CP2E product page on the Omron website.

About Omron Automation

Omron Automation is an industrial automation partner that creates, sells and services fully integrated automation solutions that include sensing, control, safety, vision, motion, robotics and more. Established in 1933 and currently headed by President Yoshihito Yamada, Omron’s 36,000 employees help businesses solve problems with creativity in more than 110 countries. Learn more at automation.omron.com.

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