AUVSI Member Spotlight: KEF Robotics
KEF Robotics provides state-of-the-art autonomy software to fly aircraft without a human pilot. A computer vision company at its core, KEF’s algorithms leverage cameras to enable autonomous flight across a variety of platforms and use-cases. Their mission is to improve the safety and reliability of aircraft, expand their range and utility, and allow them to fly without GPS in uncooperative environments.
Value of KEF Robotics’s AUVSI Membership
In a recent discussion, the team at KEF Robotics highlighted the networking that an AUVSI membership provides them.
Chief Operating Officer Olga Pogoda elaborated, “AUVSI has offered invaluable opportunities for KEF Robotics to foster connections and network with aircraft manufacturers. Since joining, we have experienced exceptional support from the AUVSI team, who have facilitated introductions to commercial customers and government decision makers. Furthermore, AUVSI’s collaboration with government partners is driving important advocacy and visibility for the unmanned aviation industry. We look forward to participating in committee meetings and leveraging AUVSI programs to further our industry knowledge and advocate for clear regulations for autonomous flight.”
KEF Robotics’s Role in the Industry’s Future
KEF Robotics is uniquely positioned to offer a solution to the consistent problem of operating UAS in contested environments.
“KEF is enabling aircraft operations in contested battlefield environments and leveraging this experience to inform our commercial development roadmap. Our ongoing efforts are directed towards expanding these capabilities to encompass operations over open water. For example, the relevance of KEF’s work in visual navigation for aircraft, though developed for military operators, appears to be increasingly commercially relevant in a world where GPS jamming can be widespread (https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/gps-jamming-map/).”
Pogoda continued, “KEF’s big dream is that their software would be used on every aircraft – unmanned and manned – to improve safety and performance while lowering the cost of air services. We think it’s a sure bet that algorithms and cameras are the future.”
Exciting Industry Developments
While they understand the intense weight of the situation, KEF Robotics also sees the conflict in Ukraine creating the necessity for rapid advancement in air-based defense.
“The whole world is watching Ukraine right now, where the future of aviation is being driven by the necessity of territorial defense.” Pogoda continued, “On the US front, we’re excited by new initiatives such as Replicator, which might (or might not…) allow the defense department to catch up to and improve the speed of domestic innovation – something our more nimble adversaries are already harnessing.”
“Over the longer term, we are actively watching Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) standards which will drive competition and innovation. Aviation is a heavily regulated industry by necessity, but MOSA standards could be a step to provide the certainty and openness that new entrants need to drive innovation while maintaining high standards of safety. We anticipate that MOSA standards will reduce prices and create better products for the defense industry,” she added.
Addressing Industry Challenges
In addition to their innovative technology that will drive industry growth, COO Olga Pogoda also pointed out barriers to success for innovators like KEF Robotics.
“One of the primary hurdles we encounter is access to flight ranges for real-world testing at the altitudes and speeds we want to fly, a problem that could be addressed by the FAA or Department of Defense. The expenses incurred to secure suitable air space pose significant impediments to technology developments. Access to expansive flight areas and streamlined FAA waiver processes for conducting high altitude flights would alleviate these challenges,” she mentioned.
