Near Earth Autonomy -- a spin-off from Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute -- develops comprehensive solutions for manufacturers and users of low-flying aircraft that need to operate in all-weather conditions, and in hostile, unprepared environments. The firm bridges the gap between aerospace and robotics with complete systems that improve efficiency, performance and safety. The firm is able to produce a comprehensive suite of tools that enable partial or complete automation of aircraft spanning various scales from sub-meter to full-size aircraft. NEA creates cutting edge solutions for the aircraft of tomorrow through ambitious research programs. the firm's pirncipals work with customers to provide flight-proven core technologies that realize their inspection and mobility needs. Applications include mapping a field, inspecting a building, or enabling an aircraft to navigate safely. Involving aspects of software development and sensor technology, the firm's capabilities enable aircraft ranging from sub-meter to full scale to inspect, map and survey terrain and infrastructure, as well as transport cargo autonomously. Near Earth's founders have over three decades of experience developing autonomous systems for ground and aerial vehicles. Two of their groundbreaking achievements include the world's first full-size autonomous helicopter flights in partnership with the U.S. Army in 2010 and ongoing work with the Office of Naval Research developing an autonomous aerial cargo delivery platform for the U.S. Marines.
