Edge Foundry and AMP Successfully Complete Proof-of-Concept Test of EO/IR Multi-Sensor Observation Drone Based on Korean-Made "Thermo K"

Thermal image captured by an EOIR composite observation drone based on Etjipaunduri and Eiempi's Korean-made QVGA thermal imaging camera module "Thermo K". Photo provided by Etjipaunduri.

KOSDAQ-listed Edge Foundry (CEO Nam Yonghyun) and industrial drone specialist AMP Korea (AMP) announced on the 19th that they have successfully completed a proof-of-concept test of an EO/IR multi-sensor observation drone based on the Korean-made QVGA thermal camera module "Thermo K".

The drone used in the proof-of-concept test is equipped with an infrared camera for night surveillance, a speaker for public warning broadcasts, and a searchlight, enabling immediate response even at night and in adverse weather conditions.

In October last year, Edge Foundry signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AI semiconductor fabless company Deeper-I and AMP for the "joint development of AI-based drone flight controllers and video systems". The three companies are working to build an AI drone system capable of performing public missions such as military reconnaissance, disaster surveillance, and environmental monitoring by integrating each company’s core technologies, including thermal imaging sensors and modules, on-device AI, and an industrial drone platform.

This proof-of-concept test was also conducted as an extension of the joint project, and the core of the development is Edge Foundry’s uncooled infrared (IR) camera module "Thermo K", developed with its own technology. Thermo K is a QVGA-class module developed entirely with domestic technology and is characterized by high-speed response, excellent dynamic range, and low latency.

Edge Foundry and AMP are jointly developing an EO/IR multi-sensor observation system based on Thermo K technology. By combining the thermal camera module with AMP’s gimbal-based industrial drone platform and high-magnification optical zoom technology, they plan to build a next-generation unmanned aerial system capable of precision observation in both day and night conditions and even in adverse weather.

A representative from Edge Foundry said, "Through the collaboration of the three companies, we will present a new standard for a Korean-made EO/IR multi-sensor surveillance system and secure independent technological capabilities that can proactively respond to public-sector demand in the defense, meteorological, and disaster fields," adding, "Based on Thermo K, we will actively expand our business beyond the market for vehicle and industrial equipment applications into the fields of military operational drones and public surveillance systems."

This collaboration is evaluated as a milestone achievement for the Korean technology ecosystem, combining Edge Foundry’s sensor technology, Deeper-I’s AI semiconductors, and AMP’s drone platform. The three companies plan to jointly promote EO/IR surveillance system demonstration projects for the Ministry of National Defense and public institutions, with the strategy of taking the lead in the domestic market for thermal imaging AI drones.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.