Verizon Robotics selects Pendleton Range to advance robotics proofs of concept

NEW YORK - Verizon Robotics is advancing its testing and proof-of-concept capabilities at Pendleton Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Range, a leading FAA-designated test range that offers diverse testing environments for drones and ground robotics. Verizon Robotics will expand its operations, and base its advanced air R&D, drone partner and long range robotics at the Pendleton Range. This includes training Pendleton Range staff to control a rapid-response command mobile unit vehicle, capable of deploying mission-critical communications, applications and advanced computing solutions that can address robotics use-cases in the air and on the ground.

“The Pendleton Range is excited to be working with Verizon Robotics to provide state-of-the-art situational awareness technology to one of the busiest UAV test ranges in the U.S.,” said Darryl Abling, Manager, Pendleton UAS Range. “This investment will help to develop technologies and processes that will help accelerate overall aviation innovation as robotics become more integrated into the National Airspace System.”

The Pendleton Range, located in Pendleton, Oregon, has more than 14,000 square miles of FAA-approved airspace for advanced drone flight operations and testing and hosts between 400 and 1,000 operations a month.

“The operations we are deploying at Pendleton Range will help advance R&D initiatives for customers,” said Mariah Scott, President, Verizon Robotics. “The range’s location helps create a local innovation testbed that can emulate real-life conditions, helping to bring products and services to market faster.”

Verizon Robotics continues to expand enterprise solutions for drones and ground robotics through its software, connectivity and industry leadership. One such effort is its development of software that helps to safely integrate drones into the National Airspace System so that piloted aircraft and drones can operate safely and seamlessly together. Coupled with The Low Altitude Authorization & Notification Capability (LAANC), customers can gain access to U.S. controlled airspace to create unique and differentiated airspace intelligence for their operations.

As Verizon Robotics leverages the power of the network to deliver on key business outcomes, it will continue to innovate alongside our customers and partners in R&D environments so that we can enable our enterprise customers to usher in the fourth industrial revolution.