Ottawa Companies Showcase Drone-Detection Tech in Urban Tests

Several technology firms from Ottawa recently participated in a significant opportunity to demonstrate their drone-detection solutions in a dense urban environment. The event, organized by the Department of National Defense (DND), took place in downtown Ottawa from November 24 to 28, 2023, as part of the Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2025. This initiative allows companies to test their technologies in scenarios that typically present regulatory challenges.

Competition and Collaboration

Twenty companies were selected to participate, with DND offering up to $1.75 million in prize money for promising technologies. Moira Barnes, a mechanical engineer at Rival Lab, emphasized the unique value of this urban testing environment, stating, “There’s no price tag on this kind of opportunity.” The chance to assess drone-detection technologies in real-world conditions is invaluable for Ottawa’s participating firms.

This marks the DND’s first urban drone-detection test, a significant step given that similar evaluations are traditionally held in rural areas, such as Suffield, Alberta. Bill Dicke, president of Tungsten Collaborative, noted that urban environments pose distinct challenges for drone detection. Factors such as buildings obstructing signals and urban noise complicate the ability to identify drones effectively.

Addressing Security Challenges

According to Deepak Dutt, CEO of Zighra, the necessity for enhanced drone detection in urban areas stems from the potential security threats drones pose. “Drones could be gathering intelligence, mapping out critical infrastructure, or delivering drugs or weapons,” he explained. Dutt likened the need for advanced detection technology to the ongoing battle against fraud in the financial sector, emphasizing the importance of a layered defense approach.

Zighra’s technology utilizes artificial intelligence to distinguish between friendly and hostile drones by analyzing their behavior. This innovative approach reflects the evolving landscape of drone usage, which has expanded to include both benign applications like food delivery and more nefarious activities.

Barnes and Dicke both expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to validate their technologies in an urban setting. Dicke remarked that testing in an unpredictable environment allows for a more accurate assessment of their systems’ capabilities. “It’s a way to validate our assumptions about what the technology can do,” he said.

During the testing phase, Rival Lab implemented optical sensor technology, marking a pioneering application in this context. Although they faced some technical challenges due to the urban setting, Barnes remained optimistic about the insights gained. “Here we are in the snow on a balcony in downtown Ottawa,” she stated. “That’s good, because that’s what Canada is, right? There are cities, inclement weather, and numerous important events.” Even without securing prize money, her team plans to leverage the data collected to further refine their technology.

The DND’s initiative not only presents a rare opportunity for local companies but also highlights the growing need for effective drone detection solutions as urban drone usage continues to rise. As the landscape of drone technology evolves, the insights gained from this testing could play a crucial role in shaping future security measures.