ANZ deep tech startup Aquila has developed a new technology that powers drones and makes them fly forever after conducting a successful trial in regional Victoria.
The startup’s team tested its Lightway technology in a Latrobe Regional Airport hangar, charging a drone wirelessly from a 50m distance—more than 10 times previous attempts of similar technology.
Lightway uses photonics—light beams sent from a transmitter on the ground to a solar cell receiver on a drone to charge it safely in the air.
Aquila says this is the first product in their plan to scale wireless energy technology to network levels, powering the world with more sustainable energy.
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Aquila co-founder Billy Jeremijenko said the trial meant Lightway could power DJI and other small drones to fly forever, with progress scaling fast towards doing the same for larger drones, making them dramatically more effective in asset management, search and rescue, coastal surveillance, and more.
“We’re focused on scaling our power transfer so we can keep larger drones in the air forever - because that has huge benefits for efficiency in asset management and safety in remote sites and public places like beaches,” Jeremijenko said.