SLAM, short for Simultaneous Location and Mapping, is the foundation of a self-navigating system and provides the framework within the robot can path plan. Learn how ModalAI uses Visual Inertial Odometry (VIO) to support localization capabilities in its SLAM implementation and Voxels for the mapping elements.

With over 20 years of combined experience as sUAS operators, the flight testers at ModalAI sure know their way around a drone. In their new series, learn about five essential components of high flying drones you should be familiar with in order to have a successful flight every time. 

1. GPS
2. Radios and Datalinks
3. IMUs & Magnetometers
4. Batteries
5. Motors

Step aside, GPS! VIO is the new navigation tool that helps drones fly indoors. James Strawson, Senior Roboticist at ModalAI, explains how VIO is key for drone navigation and walks through how we calibrate it for our drone perception and communications systems.