If you’re a drone enthusiast or a professional working with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), you’ll want to know about the latest releases from ModalAI: the Starling 2 and Starling 2 Max. These next-generation drones are set to elevate the industry with their state-of-the-art technology and unprecedented performance. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes the Starling 2 and Starling 2 Max stand out from the crowd, including their features, capabilities, and how they can benefit your work.
Next-Gen Performance
ModalAI’s Starling 2 and Starling 2 Max are designed with performance and innovation in mind. Powered by VOXL 2 technology, these drones offer reliable indoor and outdoor navigation thanks to upgraded image sensor suites. The smaller of the two, Starling 2, weighs just 280g and can house up to five image sensors, providing over 40 minutes of flight time for indoor use. Meanwhile, the more robust Starling 2 Max weighs in at 500g, offering over 55 minutes of outdoor flight time and the ability to carry an additional 500g payload.
These drones are perfect for professionals who demand extended flight times and exceptional maneuverability for various applications, including surveillance, mapping, and research.
Powerful VOXL 2 Autopilot
Both Starling 2 and Starling 2 Max are powered by the VOXL 2, ModalAI’s companion computer and autopilot designed to advance the Blue UAS Framework 2.0 Program. This technology brings 15 TOPS (trillion operations per second) of AI processing power to the table, outperforming any other autopilot on the market. With an 8-core Qualcomm QRB5165, the drones are equipped with a PX4 real-time flight controller, up to five image sensors, TDK IMUs and barometer, GPS, and WiFi connectivity. Assembled in the USA, these drones are ready to tackle the most challenging tasks in the sky.
Supercharged by VOXL SDK
One of the standout features of Starling 2 and Starling 2 Max is their VOXL SDK, which empowers developers with advanced autonomy algorithms. These include visual inertial odometry, visual obstacle avoidance, and 3D mapping and path planning, all pre-programmed into the drones. VOXL SDK also includes pre-integrated TensorFlow Lite neural networks for object classification, detection, and other models. Developers can access an extensive library of documentation, code, and tutorials to streamline the development process and bring their drone projects to life quickly and efficiently.
Designed for the Future
ModalAI’s Starling 2 and Starling 2 Max are not just innovative in terms of performance and technology; they are also fully compliant with the NDAA ’20 Section 848 Authorization Act. This compliance ensures that these drones are built to the highest standards and are suitable for government and defense applications. The smaller size and enhanced capabilities make them ideal for a wide range of industries, from security and surveillance to research and development.
In summary, the Starling 2 and Starling 2 Max from ModalAI represent the cutting edge of drone technology. With powerful VOXL 2 technology, impressive flight times, and advanced autonomous capabilities, these drones are set to revolutionize the industry and empower professionals with top-notch tools.
