Skyroads AG, a global leader in automated flight that’s building digital roads in the sky, has received an initial order to deliver a 20 million USD order of SKYBOT-CAM systems to leading broadcast technology provider, Riedel Communications collaborating with SailGP Technologies. 

Skyroads is creating a system that will enable fully-automated passenger and cargo drones to fly over well populated urban areas. The delivery of the ‘SKYBOT-CAM System’ - that Skyroads is working on with Riedel Communications – is the first product iteration for Skyroads’ infrastructure in the sky which is paving the way for cargo and passenger transport to take flight over our cities.

The SKYBOT-CAM System will deliver next-generation, highly-immersive broadcast imagery whilst improving the carbon footprint of SailGP’s events by replacing helicopters. The SKYBOTCAM System combines high payload drones and professional broadcast, gyro stabilised camera systems with live video, audio and data downlinks. Skyroads will leverage its unique, fail-safe and automated flight guidance system and multi-vehicle fleet orchestration potential to create new content and a revolutionary quality of moving pictures at a cost point comparable to helicopter operation, while reducing carbon and noise emissions and thereby increasing social acceptance.

The SKYBOT-CAM will be introduced at SailGP, which will be the first global event in the world to use the new technology. SailGP will facilitate and support the test operation of this innovative system, and after a first, exclusive implementation at SailGP in 2024, the SKYBOT-CAM will become available for all public events. The technology will be used with SailGP’s award winning Augmented reality LiveLineFX.

Achim Kostron, CCO, Skyroads said: “Our SKYBOT-CAM System is an excellent way to implement early applications of our later aviation-type, certified self-flying-system. We are delighted to embark on this project with the most respected partners in their field, Riedel and SailGP.”

Warren Jones, Director of Technology at SailGP, added: “Today’s professional airborne broadcast camera systems are mainly helicopter based and require enormous organisational, technical, and budgetary effort for a photographic platform that, although creating high quality pictures, is unsustainable in the long run.”

“SailGP Technologies stands for innovation in sustainable sports under the slogan ‘Better Sport – Better Future’ and it is partnerships with forward thinking companies like Riedel and Skyroads that allow us to achieve this.” 

Riedel Group CEO and Founder Thomas Riedel, said: “I'm delighted to announce that we are joining forces with Skyroads and SailGP Technologies to take sustainability and safety to a new level, and provide even more spectacular images from the pinnacle of sail racing. This strategic partnership reflects our commitment and vision to enhance innovation in order to create future-oriented formats, focusing both on environmental and safety aspects at the same time.”

The SKYBOT-CAM System will further push the boundaries of sustainability and technical innovation for sports broadcasting and is an ideal opportunity for Skyroads to implement, test and develop its air traffic management and vehicle guidance system to eventually transport people and heavy goods.