ModalAIⓇ Launches Next Generation Starling 2 and Starling 2 Max NDAA-Compliant Development Drones

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ModalAI, Inc. today announced Starling 2 and Starling 2 Max, the latest iterations of their popular VOXL 2 development drone, now refreshed and compliant with NDAA regulations. These new designs feature upgraded image sensor suites for reliable indoor and outdoor navigation, boasting record-breaking flight times for VOXL 2 drones. The smaller of the duo, Starling 2, is a 280g design that houses up to five image sensors for 40+ minutes of indoor visual navigation. Coming in at 500g, Starling 2 Max’s build is robust for 55+ minutes of outdoor navigation and can carry an impressive 500g of additional payloads.

Both models are available immediately, with Starling 2 starting from $2,949.99 and Starling 2 Max from $2,999.99 at www.modalai.com/starlings

“Our development drones enable rapid integration of the VOXL SDK, VOXL 2 and our ecosystem of state-of-the-art components to reduce time to market and accelerate R&D,” said Chad Sweet, CEO and co-founder of ModalAI, Inc. “Starling 2 and Starling 2 Max are the next generation of VOXL 2 drones that will propel the industry to the next level of US-built, autonomous capabilities.”

Refreshed, Fully NDAA-Compliant Designs

Designed with SWAP and NDAA-compliance in mind, both drones comply with the NDAA ‘20 Section 848 Authorization Act. The Starling 2’s 280g lightweight build and 40+ minutes of flight time make it ideal for indoor flight, while the Starling 2 Max weighs in at 500g with 55+ minutes of flight time and is designed for outdoor, long-range dead reckoning development with the ability to carry an additional 500g payloads. Both models can house up to five image sensors including FLIR Lepton thermal.

VOXL 2: Powerful and Interoperable

The Starling drones leverage the powerful VOXL 2, ModalAI’s companion computer and autopilot that was created to advance the Blue UAS Framework 2.0 Program. With 15 TOPS of AI processing, VOXL 2 boasts more AI computing than any other autopilot. Powered by the 8-core Qualcomm^® QRB5165, the Starlings house a PX4 real-time flight controller, up to five image sensors, TDK^® IMUs and barometer, GPS and WiFi connectivity, and are assembled in the USA.

Supercharged by VOXL SDK

VOXL SDK gives intelligence to the Starling 2 and Starling 2 Max. Open software autonomy algorithms like visual inertial odometry, visual obstacle avoidance, and 3D mapping and path planning are pre-programmed into the drones, reducing time to flight. VOXL SDK also features pre-integrated TensorFlow Lite neural networks to run object classification, detection and other models. Developers can also find an expansive library of documentation, code and tutorials to aid in the development process.

About ModalAI, Inc.

ModalAI^® accelerates development of smaller, smarter and safer drones and robots with SWAP-optimized Blue UAS Framework autopilots built in the U.S.A. From home and business security to retail and government applications, the company’s highly-integrated AI-powered modules empower a variety of industries to utilize aerial and ground autonomous navigation systems that communicate on 4G and 5G cellular networks.

ModalAI’s VOXL product line helps manufacturers and independent builders get to market quickly and affordably. For more information, visit www.modalai.com.