Stewart McCone, the CEO of Videosoft global, recently engaged in a detailed discussion with UnmannedSystemsTechnology.com,addressing various technological inquiries. this conversation explored the company’s influence in the video-streaming sector within the unmanned systems market, notable partnerships formed over the past year, and future aspirations for 2025 and beyond.
Continue reading too discover Videosoft Global’s groundbreaking solutions and insights into the future of the unmanned systems and drone industry.
Enhancing real-Time Decision-Making with Low-Bandwidth Solutions
How does videosoft Global facilitate critical real-time decision-making for unmanned system operators through its low-bandwidth video streaming solutions?
As unmanned technology progresses, users must prioritize autonomy, connectivity, and sustainability to remain competitive. Sadly, many Video Management Systems (VMS) struggle to adapt to changing environments, frequently enough rendering consistent connectivity unfeasible. Videosoft addresses this challenge by enabling real-time viewing of remote locations via satellite, cellular, and mesh RF networks.
The low-bandwidth video streaming platform from Videosoft is revolutionizing situational awareness in various mission-critical applications. Notable implementations of this technology include real-time surveillance of remote oil platforms, monitoring of onshore wellheads, backhauling CCTV footage for operational and health safety events on remote vessels, and integrating AI facial recognition to bolster airport security.
While many systems define ‘low bandwidth’ as several hundred kbps, Videosoft’s protocols allow streaming at just 1 kbps, scaling up to full HD.Consequently, when other systems fail in challenging environments, Videosoft consistently delivers actionable video quality. This solution transforms the notion that “it cannot be done” into a reliable method for image transmission.
In scenarios requiring ultra-low bandwidth and real-time video, Videosoft distinguishes itself by providing a continuous live video feed, regardless of bandwidth limitations or infrastructure challenges. This is supported by a comprehensive suite of advanced visualization and enhancement tools.
Much like how social media has revolutionized global connectivity, videosoft Global is a key player in transforming ultra-low bandwidth environments where uninterrupted real-time video transmission is essential.
Real-World Applications of Videosoft Technology
Can you share specific instances of how Videosoft’s technology has been utilized in unmanned aerial, land, or maritime applications this year?
Hear are five notable examples showcasing our adaptive video compression and transmission technology in action this year, unlocking limitless potential in mission-critical unmanned applications globally.
In the oil and gas sector, Videosoft collaborated with global energy providers and USV specialists. Utilizing our low-bandwidth video streaming platform, a comprehensive pipeline route survey was successfully conducted in West Africa, maintaining high visual integrity throughout the inspection and providing a significant economic boost to the region.
The world’s largest shipbuilder has integrated videosoft’s technology to pioneer the first commercialization of Level 3 autonomous navigation, successfully obtaining approval in principle (AIP) from the Korean Register (KR) and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR). Ultra-low bandwidth live monitoring enhances safety, efficiency, and cargo capacity in the commercial shipping sector while reducing operational costs and emissions.
A leading developer of autonomous exploration equipment has adopted Videosoft technology to expedite the launch of its first fully autonomous drill rig for mining. This innovation minimizes reliance on human oversight, boosting operational efficiency and reducing downtime and data transmission expenses.
Commissioned by the Navy, an Australian Subsea Survey and Geophysics Specialist successfully integrated Videosoft’s low-bandwidth video streaming platform to enhance remote USV subsea survey operations for marine research. This integration improved control and communication between onshore and offshore teams, streamlined workflows, and reduced the need for offshore personnel, resulting in substantial cost savings.
A prominent european drone manufacturer has successfully incorporated the Videosoft solution into thier fleet of heavy-payload/medium-range drones (UAVs), facilitating complex unmanned airborne missions ranging from covert tactical operations to remote energy infrastructure inspections. The integration of Videosoft technology allows customers to maximize drone airtime, visual precision, and situational awareness while lowering the costs associated with real-time streaming via LTE networks.
Noteworthy Partnerships and Collaborations
Can you highlight some of the partnerships you are notably proud of this year?
To support future-ready remote monitoring capabilities for all unmanned systems, each of our esteemed partners adds a unique dimension to the Videosoft ecosystem of remote surveillance solutions. Notable collaborations include:
Videosoft, gotonomi & Viasat Drone inspection & Surveillance Bundle
to celebrate Gotonomi’s UAV terminals achieving the first approval for Regional Class 4 operations, we launched a specialized inspection and surveillance bundle at the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas. Integrated into gotonomi’s Velaris Multi-Link satcom module, this solution is particularly advantageous for BVLOS operations, addressing scenarios where traditional communication methods fall short.
this partnership aims to simplify video live-streaming over satellite for UAV operators and accelerate the global adoption of BVLOS operations,marking a significant advancement in mission-critical UAV video capabilities.
SightLine Applications Integrates Videosoft Directly Into Camera Systems
Earlier this year, we collaborated with leading onboard video processor developers Sightline Applications. Successfully embedding the Videosoft solution into SightLine’s 4100-OEM hardware platform enables their customers to access high-quality, real-time video processing over wireless networks with bandwidth limitations.
Compatible with most drone cameras, this integration optimizes video-enabled drone designs and analytics at the edge in real-time, reducing data transmission costs, power consumption, and enhancing accuracy and responsiveness through robust wireless connectivity.
Blue Sky network & American Aerospace Drones Achieve 1st FAA Waiver for BVLOS Commercial Operation, in Collaboration With Videosoft
Embedded into Blue Sky Network’s Skylink® 7100 satcom terminal and utilized by their exclusive partner network, Videosoft’s ultra-low bandwidth technology was instrumental in American Aerospace obtaining the first BVLOS waiver from the FAA in the US.
This initiative serves as a starting point for an industry-recommended minimum equipment list for the drone sector and the BVLOS waiver process. Full details on the mission can be found here.
BVLOS applications are frequently impacted by network interference, leading to latency and throughput challenges. Verified by the FAA as technology that meets stringent safety and regulatory standards for commercial BVLOS drone operations, Videosoft solutions are specifically designed to overcome these obstacles and maintain real-time video streaming to operation centers in the most demanding conditions.
Future Aspirations for 2025 and Beyond
What are Videosoft Global’s plans for the future?
We are committed to innovation and enhancing user satisfaction.By investing in the Videosoft platform, we will continue to improve our offerings with new features to meet evolving market demands. We are not just an off-the-shelf solution; we provide tailored solutions that give mission-critical operations a competitive advantage.
Currently, we are conducting trials with several leading marine robotics companies to facilitate the transition towards more advanced, AI-capable innovations. These technologies are designed to detect and monitor potential threats in maritime environments, and also environmental risks and underwater obstacles. Low-bandwidth autonomous vessel surveillance has proven to enable quicker responses and better decision-making while reducing downtime and data transmission costs.
As fully autonomous navigation becomes a reality, we remain dedicated to investing in technology that will advance autonomous maritime operations in this increasingly competitive landscape.
Insights and Predictions for the Unmanned Industry
What are your insights and predictions for the unmanned industry in the upcoming year?
military & Defense Operations
In 2025, we anticipate significant growth in the global military drone market, particularly in North America. As modern warfare evolves, complex combat operations will necessitate further investment in technology as part of their arsenal. This will likely lead to an increased demand for BVLOS drone operations in the coming year.To adapt to contemporary threats and predict enemy movements, we foresee the unmanned defense sector moving towards greater integration with AI for precise target identification and prioritization.
Commercial Drone Operations
Regulatory challenges will continue to be a primary hurdle for the drone industry. With this in mind,we believe that customer acquisition will become a pressing concern in 2025. Global commercial drone traffic is expected to increase, heightening the need for enhanced real-time situational awareness and low-bandwidth video transmission in crowded airspace.
Scheduled for Q2 2025, the introduction of the UK SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) by the CAA will help the UK drone industry align with global standards.
Public Safety Operations
The adoption of LTE and 5G cellular networks will continue to rise, becoming more accepted as a reliable public safety communications platform compared to traditional microwave networks.
Maritime operations
as the shipping industry evolves, we believe that video surveillance will likely become a standard requirement for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).
We appreciate your valuable insights and the time you took to speak with us. We look forward to witnessing the achievements and advancements that the upcoming year holds for Videosoft.
