Ouster partners with Seneca to equip autonomous drones with Rev8 lidar. Published: Oct 01 2026, 09:05 PM IST * FB * TW * Linkdin * Whatsapp * GNFollow Us Ouster's Rev8 OS1 Max native-color digital lidar will be integrated into Seneca's autonomous drone platform to enhance 3D perception for wildfire response missions. * Seneca plans to use the drones for heavy cargo delivery to fire lines, terrain-following, mapping, vegetation management and infrastructure inspections. * The lidar offers 256 channels, up to 4K horizontal resolution and a longer range designed to give aircraft more reaction time in challenging conditions. * Seneca selected the Rev8 OS1 Max for its performance, durability and operating range of -40°C to +85°C. Ouster Inc. (OUST) said on Thursday that it will integrate its Rev8 native-color digital lidar into Seneca's autonomous drone platform, aiming to enhance perception, navigation and obstacle avoidance in demanding outdoor environments. OUST shares traded marginally higher at the time of writing on Thursday. Lidar designed for demanding drone operations. Seneca plans to use Ouster's Rev8 OS1 Max digital lidar across several wildfire-related missions, including carrying heavy cargo to fire lines, terrain-following for mapping and vegetation management, and inspecting structures and utility infrastructure. The sensor offers 256 channels and up to 4K horizontal resolution, while its longer range is designed to give the aircraft more time to react as operating speeds increase. The system can also generate a detailed 3D representation of the surrounding environment. Seneca previously relied on infrared sensors and cameras for functions including collision avoidance, mapping and object detection. Ouster said the Rev8 lidar is intended to provide additional environmental information in conditions involving smoke, dust, changing terrain and limited visibility. Seneca highlights Rev8's durability. Seneca CEO Stuart Landesberg said the Rev8 OS1 Max has been valuable in addressing concerns around sensor durability and performance in demanding operating conditions. "Seneca's fire agency partners operate in some of the most unforgiving environments - obviously heat, but also sometimes extreme cold. Ouster Rev8 OS1 Max has been invaluable in minimizing concerns about sensor durability and performance," Landesberg said. The sensor has an IP68/IP69K rating, shock tolerance and a broad temperature range. Seneca selected the Rev8 OS1 Max for its performance, qualification from -40°C to +85°C, responsive engineering support and product roadmap aligned with autonomous systems. Ouster lidar supports Seneca's Newsable-built aircraft. Ouster CEO Angus Pacala said reliable lidar and perception technology is central to autonomous systems operating in physical environments. "Ouster digital lidar provides accurate, real-time 3D perception data that enhances environmental awareness and supports safe, reliable autonomous flights for drone-based firefighting missions," Pacala said. Ouster's digital lidar platform, which complies with NDAA Section 164 and is BABA-compliant, also supports Seneca's commitment to aircraft designed and assembled in America. Retail view on OUST. On Stocktwits, retail sentiment toward OUST has turned 'bearish' amid 'high' message volumes over the past 24 hours. OUST shares are up more than 84% year to date. Also read: MKC Stock Draws Investor Attention After Volatile Morning Following Upbeat Q3 - Gross Profit Margin Expands By 190 Basis Points For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.< Stay updated with all the latest Business News, including market trends, Share Market News, stock updates, taxation, IPOs, banking, finance, real estate, savings, and investments. Track daily Gold Price changes, updates on DA Hike, and the latest developments on the 8th Pay Commission. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates to make informed financial decisions. Download the Asianet News Official App from the Android Play Store and iPhone App Store to stay ahead in business. 0 Comments / 0 New

AI firefighting drones target wildfires before they spread. 0 2 minutes read U.S. Fire department are testing autonomous drones that can fight wildfires before firefighters even arrive. Fire departments across the United States are testing a new generation of autonomous firefighting drones designed to attack wildfires before they grow out of control. California startup Seneca recently demonstrated its AI-powered drone system during field trials with CAL FIRE and FireWERX, showing how rapid aerial response could strengthen early wildfire suppression efforts. Unlike conventional drones used mainly for surveillance, Seneca's aircraft actively fight fires. Each drone carries water and firefighting concentrate, while coordinated groups of four to six drones can release the equivalent of 500 to 1,000 gallons of firefighting foam over a fire, helping crews contain flames before they spread. The drones fly autonomously using AI, infrared sensors, GPS navigation, and onboard computer vision to detect hotspots and precisely target flames. Human operators authorize missions and monitor operations, ensuring the systems remain under human supervision while reducing response times. CAL FIRE conducted field evaluations of the technology on July 15 with its Fire Innovation Unit and nonprofit partner FireWERX. The tests examined how autonomous drone teams could work alongside firefighters by reaching remote or hazardous locations before ground crews or larger aircraft arrive. Seneca says its systems are designed to be stationed in high-risk areas and launched within seconds after a fire is detected. The drones can be carried in pickup trucks or utility vehicles and do not require airfields or complex infrastructure, making them suitable for rapid deployment in wildfire-prone regions. The company has attracted strong industry support, raising $60 million to accelerate development and commercialization. Earlier this year, the Aspen Fire Protection District became the first U.S. fire department to acquire Seneca's autonomous aerial suppression system, marking an important step toward real-world adoption. Although autonomous drones will not replace helicopters or ground firefighters, experts believe they can become an important first-response tool as wildfire seasons become longer and more severe. By attacking new ignitions within minutes, the technology could help protect forests, homes, critical infrastructure, and firefighters while reducing the damage caused by fast-moving wildfires.