Gotonomi and Videosoft Announce Partnership for UAV Video Live Streaming

For all commercial UAV workflow users, the drone itself is of course the most important piece of hardware to consider, but most tasks require other pieces of equipment to achieve the greatest benefit. Providers of two of those payloads came together this month to announce a new partnership. In mid-April, UAV satellite connectivity platform provider Gotonomi and video streaming solutions developer Videosoft announced a new partnership that, according to the companies, “will simplify live video streaming via satellite for UAV operators.”

The partnership opens up new opportunities for UAV operators to receive real-time video in almost any environment. Videosoft has a number of options for low-bandwidth video streaming. As a result of this partnership, the company's software will be integrated into Gotonomi's Velaris multi-link satellite communications module. Specifically, Videosoft's software will be integrated with Viasat Velaris, a connectivity service specifically designed for UAV use cases.

This type of integration is particularly good news for operators tasked with flying in areas with low connectivity and low line of sight, a growing sector as BVLOS operations become more common. The companies claim in their press release that the integration will “address scenarios where traditional communication methods are inadequate.” Videosoft's software comes pre-installed and users get a free trial with every device.

The integration is Gotonomi's multi-link module, a small size, low weight and low power hybrid terminal with integrated edge computing. Its System on Module (SoM) enables Videosoft's video compression software (as well as other custom applications) to process data for streaming via Viasat's Velaris global satellite solution, which Gotonomi says is available “almost anywhere in the world.” The Multi-Link also includes an LTE module for low latency and redundancy 4G communications. Videosoft's software allows users to easily manage remote activities and control remote decisions with up-to-date information and 24/7 access.

It's not hard to imagine a variety of use cases for which this type of technology would flourish, as secure video transmission is an important part of the workflow for a number of commercial UAV deployments. In disaster situations such as wildfires, operators may want an aerial view of the situation but are unable to fly a manned aircraft overhead. However, access to live video from a UAV can help bridge this gap, even in situations where connectivity may not be at its strongest. Surveillance operations could also utilize this type of secure video transmission, and survey operations in remote areas would also welcome this ability to stream live video even in parts of the world with limited connectivity.

“We are pleased to be able to offer Videosoft’s software pre-installed on Gotonomi’s Velaris multi-link terminals. There has always been a vision for the need for edge computing to add value to UAVs operating in BVLOS situations, and video compression has emerged as a leading application,” said Matthew Hill, General Manager at Gotonomi, in a statement. “Videosoft is pioneering ultra-low bandwidth streaming capabilities and we are pleased to enter into this partnership to optimize this combined solution. This is great evidence of why both parties are part of Viasat’s Velaris network and why the L-Band network is the perfect choice to make secure and scalable BVLOS operations a reality.”

Stewart McCone, CEO of Videosoft, added: “This partnership represents a significant milestone for us as we unlock a wide range of opportunities in BVLOS operations by improving airborne communications.” Our solution is rapidly gaining traction in the UAV industry Meaning and this collaboration has taken them to even greater heights. With video integration seamlessly integrated into the Velaris Multi-Link Satellite Terminal, companies can confidently embrace the air autonomy revolution.”