DHS · DHS-2383 · record R1926

Unmanned Aircraft Collision Avoidance

Department of Homeland Security · CBP

Overview

Development stage: DeployedSource: c) Deployed – The use case is being actively authorized or utilized to support the functions or mission of an agency.
High-impact designation: Presumed high-impact, determined notSource: b) Presumed high-impact, but determined not high impact
Impact justification: This use case avoids collisions for small unmanned aircraft systems. It operates a video feed that activates the obstacle avoidance features. The obstacle avoidance capability assists the pilot on the ground to avoid colliding the unmanned aircraft with objects such as man-made structures, vehicles, trees, wires, or other objects in the projected flight path. The pilot receives a visual alert on the hand controller, indicating a possible collision and in some cases the aircraft will slow down, change direction to avoid the obstacle, or stop.
Start date: 2022-10-01 (day precision)Source: 2022-10-01T00:00:00
Withheld from public reporting: Not reported

Mission

Topic area: Law Enforcement
Operational functions: No function tag matched Derived by keyword rules; see methodology

Problem the AI is intended to solve

The use case solves the problem of navigating complex environments autonomously while ensuring obstacle avoidance in real time. By relying on AI-based 3D scanning functions instead of GPS, the system enhances safety and precision in drone operations, reducing the risk of collisions and enabling efficient, reliable use in diverse mission scenarios. It addresses the challenge of maintaining situational awareness and operational accuracy during unmanned aircraft missions, providing pilots with visual alerts to prevent potential collisions.

Expected benefits

The platform operates on video feed only which in turn activates the obstacle avoidance on the aircraft where the AI capabilities are housed. The system supports the streamlined intake process while maintaining the accuracy and reliability of identity verification.

System outputs

The pilot of the sUAS will receive a visual alert on the hand controller, indicating a possible collision.

Technology

AI classification: Computer visionSource: Computer Vision: AI that processes and interprets visual data (e.g., images and videos).
System name(s): Skydio X2D
Custom-developed code: No
Public source code: Not reported

Sourcing

How it was built: Purchased from vendorSource: a) Purchased from a vendor
Vendor (as reported): Skydio and Xtender
Vendors (standardized): Skydio

A vendor is the supplier named by the agency. It does not identify the underlying model or AI technology.

Data and privacy

Involves PII: No
Privacy Impact Assessment: Not reported
Authorization to Operate: Yes
Demographic features: Not reported
Training and evaluation data: Live flight testing data of the platform in test and operational environments.
Federal Data Catalog: Not reported

Governance

0 of 8 minimum-practice questions answered. A blank answer means the agency reported nothing; it does not mean the practice is absent.

Pre-deployment testingNo answer reported

AI impact assessmentNo answer reported

Independent reviewNo answer reported

Ongoing monitoringNo answer reported

Operator trainingNo answer reported

Fail-safeNo answer reported

Appeal processNo answer reported

User and public consultationNo answer reported

Potential impacts and how they were identified

Not reported