Auterion Launches Skynode Family of Enterprise-Grade Drone Controllers and Companion Computers

Auterion has announced the launch of Skynode, a development platform it claims reduces the cost and time-to-market for drone products — and which is based on open source software and standards.

"By connecting you to the Auterion platform," the company claims of its latest product, designed to combine a flight controller, companion computer, and connectivity in a single system, "Skynode dramatically reduces the time and cost of designing, integrating and maintaining your own hardware and software, so you can focus on developing an excellent product."

"Built on stable open source software and widely adopted industry standards including FMUv5x, MAVLink and PX4, Auterion is highly interoperable with integrations from a host of partners in an open, future-proof ecosystem."

The Skynode platform is split into five core offerings. The first of these is Skynode Enterprise, described by the company as "the fast-track way for manufacturers to power their drones with the software, payloads, and workflow integrations that enterprise customers demand." Variants of the Skynode are also available for US Government customers, and another developed in partnership with GE Aviation offering run-time assurance (RTA) for Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) Part 107 waiver requirements.

For those looking for a more bespoke drone design process, Auterion is also offering the Skynode Core Board development board — and for high-volume production, a reference design developers can use to create their own variant. Each are compatible with a range of add-on sensors and hardware, including depth cameras, and tie into Auterion's cloud platform for log analysis, predictive maintenance, fleet management, and over-the-air firmware updates.

More information on the Auterion Skynode family can be found on the company website, along with an application form for a specification sheet and pricing information.