New Brunswick and Ottawa-based AVSS (Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions) has announced it is supplying key innovations for Canada Post’s Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Proof of Concept Trials.

AVSS is collaborating with Canada Post to demonstrate the benefits of using drone technology for parcel and medical delivery.

Founded by Josh Ogden of Rothesay, NB, and Josh Boudreau of Ottawa, AVSS is developing hardware and software to improve the safety of autonomous aircraft, or drones. The duo have produced the Connected Recovery System, which is like a black box for drones. It is connected to a parachute and can deploy if the system senses trouble.

“This company started with the question of what happens when a UAV (Unmanned Ariel Vehicle) crashes,” Ogden told entrevestor in an earlier interview.

“We’re putting all these devices in the air, but there are no safety standards yet. … The industry is moving so fast that regulators are having trouble keeping up with performance standards.”

During the newly announced trials, Canada Post, Transport Canada, InDro Robotics, and other industry innovators will gather data, test systems and evaluate pilot performance to develop regulations for BVLOS operations.

“By incorporating the Connected Recovery System hardware and Command Centre software in this trial project, Canada Post is demonstrating the importance of proactive planning and industry collaboration as the industry matures,” said Ogden.

In a statement, Transport and Infrastructure Canada said that BVLOS drone operations will unlock the commercial potential of the industry, with future applications in long-range infrastructure inspections, precision agriculture, delivery solutions, public safety, and, eventually, public transportation. 

Despite only starting operations in 2017, AVSS has already closed a small funding round and has partnered with the Institute of Drone Technology in Australia to design, build and distribute its Connected Recovery system.