Bulgaria-based, Dronamics is building “The Black Swan” (TBS), a new fixed-wing cargo drone. It is remotely piloted, fuel-efficient, and suitable for a longer ranges (think cross-country or intercity transport between main gateways or warehouses, “anything >300km is not appropriate for us”) & higher load factors than electric solutions. “Most small delivery drones are an attempt to solve the last-mile problem; they’re the bike messenger, TBS is the cross-country truck”. With a wingspan of 16m & fuselage of 8m, TBS can carry 350kg in a 3.5cbm hold (same stats as a small delivery van) (specifically designed to fit cargo pallets, with temperature-control being developed), at 125kmh for distances up to 2,500km (that’s all of Europe), for...

France-based, Chouette is developing a vine monitoring solution & decision support tool for winegrowers. In essence, the startup offers winegrowers the option to acquire, rent or lease a DJI drone &/ sensors for their tractors to monitor vines. The time saving is significant: “to survey four hectares of vines on foot takes a day, but only one hour with the drone”. The vines are scanned (with AI) for multiple fungi & diseases, impacts from drought or frost, as well as checked for plant maturation (& estimated future yield). Historical data is used to anticipate protection of the most sensitive areas by e.g. enabling optimal use of phytosanitary treatments & fertilizers, thereby lowering production costs &...