UAV Manufacturers Integrate Low-Bandwidth Streaming to Optimize Real-Time Operations & Reduce Costs

European drone developer AIR6 SYSTEMS has integrated Videosoft Global’s real-time, low-latency video streaming technology into its fleet of heavy-payload and medium-range unmanned aerial vehicles to optimize remote operations and lower network data costs.

The partnership introduces point-to-point connectivity and dynamic channel switching features, allowing drone operators to adjust compression and transmission profiles in real-time. By utilizing Videosoft Global’s adaptive protocols, users can drop to an ultra-low bitrate starting from 1kbps via a client viewer while maintaining actionable video and imagery. This capability helps minimize data transmission costs, operational downtime, and communication delays over LTE, satellite communications, and mesh networks, even when operating in remote or poorly connected airspaces.

The software has been validated during data rate testing over a 25km range using the AIR8 Medium Lifter UAV. The technology is also compatible with an autonomous “drone-in-a-box” system, which serves as a landing pad and charging base to facilitate independent deployment backed by live visuals. These combined features support a wide range of complex beyond visual line of sight missions, including power asset inspections, covert tactical operations, long-distance heavy-payload deliveries, and search and rescue applications. The turnkey solutions are designed to comply with the latest industry standards to meet the evolving needs of airborne robotic operators, covering more than 95% of all currently possible applications. In addition to multi-scene streaming and integrated video analytics with alerts, the edge recording and self-healing architecture are designed to improve signal range and extend drone battery life.

Alex Fraess-Ehrfeld, CEO and Founder of AIR6 SYSTEMS, said, “At AIR6 SYSTEMS, sustainability and future oriented BVLOS workflows are at the heart of our game plan. Aligned with Videosoft Global’s vision, together we are reaching new heights to make mission critical UAV tasks faster, safer, and more cost-effective – no matter what the SWaP constraints or the environmental conditions are.

“Offering advanced network connectivity solutions for a variety of industries, being able to control the compression and transmission profiles in real-time is a real game changer when every second counts.”

Pascal Wojciechowski, Sales Manager Europe at Videosoft Global, added, “Our partnership with AIR6 SYSTEMS demonstrates the limitless possibilities real-time drone video streaming is opening up to drone companies and distributors worldwide.

“Used to gain a competitive edge over competitors and eliminating costly communication delays and post-processing drone footage issues from day one, Videosoft’s full edge recording and self-healing architecture makes it the first choice for drone companies dedicated to delivering the best quality and service to their customers.”