Red Cat partners with Athena AI for artificial intelligence and computer vision on new Teal 2 military drone

Rhea-AI Summary

Red Cat Holdings partners with Athena AI to integrate machine learning and AI into the Teal 2 military-grade drone for high-speed tracking of objects at night.

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• Red Cat's partnership with Athena AI allows the Teal 2 drone to track objects at night, providing rapid decision-making support for warfighters and commanders.
• Athena's computer vision architecture enables the Teal 2 to support Danger Close Fire Missions at night and quickly respond to emerging threats.
• Red Cat has already received an order for 54 units of the Teal 2 from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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• None.

World-leading drone for nighttime operation will integrate Athena’s Machine Learning and AI for high-speed tracking of objects, providing rapid decision-making support

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, March 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a military technology company integrating robotic hardware and software to protect and support the warfighter, announces Athena AI as a computer vision partner for the new Teal 2 military-grade drone.

Australia-based Athena, an AI-enabled military decision-support company, has licensed to Red Cat its proprietary computer vision architecture, which allows high-speed tracking of objects and, at slower speeds, in-depth data exploitation. Athena’s solution can identify weapons and various other objects and poses at night, as well as Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) markers, such as Cyalume HALOs and IR beacons.

Athena has spent more than three years curating and analyzing military night-fighting footage, including thermal and low light camera systems, to create computer vision architecture for warfighting after dark.

“The Teal 2 is a mission-focused military drone, and our partnership with Athena enables us to integrate the very latest computer vision technology,” said Red Cat CEO Jeff Thompson. “In military operations, every second counts, and Athena’s ability to track objects at night means our drone can deliver crucial intel to warfighters and commanders, providing rapid decision-making support.”

By integrating Athena’s technology, the Teal 2 can support Danger Close Fire Missions at night. The Forward Line of Own Troops (FLOT) can be detected, recognized and geolocated in comparison with the enemy, allowing for precision and safe fires on the target.

Athena also supports rapid in-field target-set updates, with a turnaround as short as 72 hours for new target-detection algorithms. This allows the warfighter to quickly respond to emerging threats and ensure their kit remains in the fight.

“Most military operations take place at night, and Athena is proud to help the Teal 2 ‘Dominate the Night™, by offering our computer vision architecture,” said Athena CEO Stephen Bornstein. “We’re also excited to showcase our tech to the global customer base that Red Cat has built on its reputation for exceptional products.”

In addition to Athena, Red Cat’s previously announced technology partners for the Teal 2 include Teledyne FLIR, Tomahawk Robotics, Reveal Technology and Immervision. The Teal 2 is the first sUAS to be equipped with FLIR's new Hadron 640R sensor, optimized for nighttime operations.

Red Cat has already filled an order from U.S. Customs and Border Protection for 54 units of the Teal 2. In February, a Red Cat delegation headed by Jeff Thompson also visited NATO countries to discuss how the Teal 2 can potentially help Ukrainian forces counter Russian forces when they’re most active – after dark.

Separately, Athena announced its first export sales to the U.S. Department of Defense in January. Athena is currently demonstrating its technology at the Avalon 2023 Australian International Airshow from Feb. 28 to March 5.

To view a spec sheet for the Teal 2, click here.  
To watch a one-minute teaser video for the Teal 2, click here.  

About Red Cat Holdings, Inc.
Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a military technology company that integrates robotic hardware and software to provide critical situational awareness and actionable intelligence to on-the-ground warfighters and battlefield commanders. Its mission is to enhance the effectiveness and safety of military operations domestically and globally – and to “Dominate the Night.” Red Cat’s suite of solutions includes Teal Drones, developer of the Golden Eagle, a small unmanned system with the highest resolution imaging for nighttime operations, and Skypersonic, a leading provider of unmanned aircraft for interior spaces and other dangerous environments. Learn more at https://www.redcatholdings.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "seek," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "target," "aim," "should," "will" "would," or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.'s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled "Risk Factors" in the final prospectus related to the public offering filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Contacts
NEWS MEDIA:
Anthony Priwer
Dalton Agency
Phone: +1 (615) 515-4891
Email: apriwer@daltonagency.com

INVESTORS:
CORE IR
Phone: + 1 (516) 222-2560
Email: investors@redcat.red   
Website: https://www.redcatholdings.com

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a73a10ef-6c7f-4762-97a2-884135fecbf4

FAQ

What is the partnership between Red Cat Holdings and Athena AI?

Red Cat Holdings has partnered with Athena AI to integrate machine learning and AI into the Teal 2 military-grade drone for high-speed tracking of objects at night.

What are the capabilities of Athena's computer vision architecture?

Athena's computer vision architecture allows the Teal 2 drone to track objects at night, identify weapons and other objects, and recognize Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) markers.

What is the significance of integrating Athena's technology into the Teal 2?

By integrating Athena's technology, the Teal 2 drone can provide rapid decision-making support for warfighters and commanders, support Danger Close Fire Missions at night, and quickly respond to emerging threats.

How many units of the Teal 2 has Red Cat received an order for?

Red Cat has received an order for 54 units of the Teal 2 from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.