Sensor technology developed by AIM Photonics built on a photonic integrated circuit platform underwent rigorous testing on unmanned systems at the annual Rio Robotico event. The integrated engineering and test event brought together government, industry, and academic partners to evaluate technologies for detecting Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threats. “The event enables developers to integrate and test sensing technologies on unmanned ground and aircraft platforms while gathering feedback from operators,” according to an Army article highlighting the importance of this testing. This demonstration signals a move for integrated photonics development toward operationally relevant applications.
AIM Photonics Sensors Tested on Unmanned Ground & Aircraft Systems
AIM Photonics’ silicon photonics technology underwent field evaluation during the recent Rio Robotico event, specifically for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) detection applications. This testing moved the technology beyond laboratory settings and into scenarios mirroring real-world deployment conditions. The Rio Robotico event is designed to accelerate the fielding of autonomous, modular sensor payloads and pinpoint areas where current capabilities fall short, according to an article published on www.army.mil.
Participants tested technologies at various stages of development, from early prototypes to systems nearing operational readiness. AIM Photonics’ contribution centered on sensors built using a photonic integrated circuit platform, a technology the company has optimized for sensing applications. The inclusion of this technology at Rio Robotico signifies a progression toward operationally relevant testing as the designs mature for future uses.
The event’s structure allows developers to gather direct feedback from operators, which is an important step in refining sensor integration and usability. AIM Photonics, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Albany, New York, advances integrated photonic circuit manufacturing as a US public-private partnership. The institute offers a silicon photonics process design kit and prototyping services to over 120 members, including access to its Albany fabrication facility and Rochester packaging facility.
This testing at Rio Robotico demonstrates the practical application of AIM Photonics’ $19 million DARPA-funded research programs focused on-chip optical gain, with Analog Photonics implementing designs in the Albany fab. The company’s stated application areas include data communications, sensors, quantum and neuromorphic computing, positioning integrated photonics as a versatile technology for diverse applications.
Source: https://www.aimphotonics.com/news/aim-photonics-sensor-technology-demonstrated-at-rio-robotico
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