The National Optics Institute (INO), a photonics company, has obtained technology from airborne sensors developer ING Robotic Aviation to create an advanced imaging sensor for scientific research. INO purchased ING’s Responder rotary wing robotic aircraft system, which includes the aircraft as well as a ground control system and ancillary equipment, to integrate a hyperspectral camera into its platform. Once the device has been integrated, the aircraft system will be transferred to the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, part of the Université du Quebec network, for scientific research applications. Unique to Canada, this airborne imaging system will support lake and river water quality control, help coastal zone management, ease snow and ice cover monitoring, and allow precision agriculture studies. It will provide valuable scientific data and help to design the next generation of Earth observation satellites as well. The stabilized payload platform has been specially designed for heavy lifting, allowing the aircraft system to hold up to 11 kg of sensor weight. This highlights the system’s flexibility, and its efficient performance in adverse weather conditions. “[The] equipment will be used to get the right information into the right hands, at the right time,” said Ian Glenn, CEO and chief technology officer of ING Robotic Aviation. The system will be ready this spring. For more information, visit: www.ino.ca/en