Corning and PrecisionHawk Equip Researchers with a Platform for Collecting Hyperspectral Data with Drones
The high-performance platform lays the groundwork for creating extensive data libraries derived from hyperspectral imagery that could drive the future of commercial drone applications.
RALEIGH, N.C., April 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- PrecisionHawk, a provider of advanced commercial drone technologies, today announced it will collaborate with Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) to sell the Corning® microHSIâ„¢ 410-SHARK hyperspectral camera coupled with PrecisionHawk's platform for collection and analysis of drone data. The sensor is capable of on-board processing which produces calibrated, geo-referenced hyper-cubes post flight.
The massive research potential brought to light by these low-altitude remote sensing capabilities will allow for the creation of new spectral libraries that can generate extremely tailored applications across enterprise verticals including agriculture, mining, construction, energy, and insurance industries.
"Historically, low-altitude data collection using hyperspectral sensors has been very difficult to achieve due to operational complexities," said Richard Zacaroli, commercial business development manager, Hyperspectral Imaging Products, Corning Incorporated. "Due to the integration between Corning's revolutionary sensors and PrecisionHawk's drone and data suite, it's now possible for novice users to properly and effectively collect high-resolution hyperspectral data."
The microHSIâ„¢ 410-SHARK visible to near-infrared (VNIR) hyperspectral imager is equipped with 154 spectral bands and a spectral range of 400-1,000 nanometers.
The sensor can be mounted on several of PrecisionHawk's drone platforms for simplified data collection, which can be purchased starting at $7,100.
"Hyperspectral imagery is a tremendously rich dataset that helps researchers pick up vital information over a detailed spectrum for analysis," said Thomas Haun, senior vice president of Partnerships at PrecisionHawk. "With Corning's 154-band hyperspectral product, researchers can obtain and create a wide variety of spectral maps to hone in on specific problems the customer is trying to solve that would otherwise not be identifiable with visual or multispectral sensors."
The sensor joins PrecisionHawk's robust sensor line and will be offered as an optional add-on to drone data packages featuring DJI'S M100 and M600, which are integrated with PrecisionHawk's flight planning, processing and analysis tools. At low altitudes, data obtained through the microHSIâ„¢ 410-SHARK creates high-resolution maps not available through traditional collection methodologies.
PrecisionHawk and Corning's combined offering puts the power of advanced science into a high- performance and cost-effective package that could drive the future of commercial drones.
About PrecisionHawk Inc.
PrecisionHawk is a leading provider of advanced commercial drone technologies. The company, founded in 2010, is privately held and located in Raleigh, NC and Toronto, Canada. PrecisionHawk's client list of Fortune 500 companies and market-leading innovators spans 150 countries and the company has existing operations across six continents. PrecisionHawk is funded by leading venture capital firms and global technology investors including Intel Capital, Millennium Technology Value Partners, Verizon Ventures, a subsidiary of USAA, NTT Docomo Ventures, Yamaha Motor, DuPont and Indiana University.
More information about PrecisionHawk can be found at www.precisionhawk.com or on Twitter @PrecisionHawk.
About Corning Incorporated
Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the world's leading innovators in materials science. For more than 160 years, Corning has applied its unparalleled expertise in specialty glass, ceramics, and optical physics to develop products that have created new industries and transformed people's lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in R&D, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and close collaboration with customers to solve tough technology challenges. Corning's businesses and markets are constantly evolving. Today, Corning's products enable diverse industries such as consumer electronics, telecommunications, transportation, and life sciences. They include damage-resistant cover glass for smartphones and tablets; precision glass for advanced displays; optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions for high-speed communications networks; trusted products that accelerate drug discovery and manufacturing; and emissions-control products for cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles.
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