International technology firms demonstrated their drone detection capabilities in a busy urban setting to the Department of National Defence (DND) this week, with participation from multiple Ottawa-based companies.
Describing the event as invaluable, Moira Barnes, a mechanical engineer at Ottawa’s Rival Lab, emphasized the significance of the opportunity.
The Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2025 competition, organized by DND, took place in downtown Ottawa from Nov. 24 to 28, featuring twenty companies showcasing their drone detection technologies. DND offered up to $1.75 million in prize money for promising technologies.
Participating Ottawa companies highlighted the unique chance to test their technologies in a downtown environment where operational restrictions typically apply, offering valuable insights.
Urban Drone Detection Challenge
According to Bill Dicke, president of Ottawa’s Tungsten Collaborative, this urban test marked the first of its kind conducted by DND. Tungsten Collaborative, specializing in drone detection technology based on radio frequencies, highlighted the complexities of detecting drones in urban landscapes.
Unlike traditional test sites like Suffield, Alta., known for its sparse population, urban environments present distinct challenges such as drones being concealed behind buildings or producing muffled sounds amid conflicting signals.
Deepak Dutt, CEO of Zighra, stressed the necessity of technology for detecting drones in urban areas due to potential security threats. Dutt explained that drones could be used for various purposes, including intelligence gathering, mapping critical infrastructure, or illicit activities like drug or weapon deliveries.
Zighra’s drone detection technology utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to differentiate between friendly and hostile drones based on their behavior.
Significance of Urban Testing
Both Dicke and Barnes emphasized the value of testing their technologies under real urban conditions. Dicke highlighted the importance of validating assumptions beyond controlled environments, stating that third-party testing introduces unknown variables that challenge the technology’s capabilities.
Barnes from Rival Lab discussed using optical sensor technology, noting challenges faced in the urban setting but expressing gratitude for the opportunity to improve their technology based on the collected data.
Despite technical hurdles encountered during testing, Barnes emphasized the importance of assessing their technology in diverse urban scenarios, acknowledging the benefits of the experience regardless of winning any prize money.
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