Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS)

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Calgary, Alberta
What the facility does

Address industry challenges using remotely piloted aircraft systems and sensors for data acquisition, management, analytics, and dissemination.

Areas of expertise

The Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS) is one of North America’s most advanced Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) research and development centres. Equipped with cutting-edge technologies and sensor systems, CIRUS is uniquely positioned to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions across a wide range of sectors.

The multidisciplinary team of researchers and advanced pilots transforms complex challenges into actionable insights using high-precision RPAS, advanced sensors, state-of-the-art modeling software and data dissemination platforms. The expertise spans industries including environmental monitoring, infrastructure inspection, emergency response, disaster management, and logistics. Every project is tailored to the clientele’s unique needs, ensuring accurate, dependable intelligence to support informed decision-making.

In addition to applied research projects, CIRUS empowers organizations through training and capacity building. The team provides the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to effectively operate RPAS and integrate advanced sensor systems. Their applied research and customized solutions leverage RPAS-based data collection, processing, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and immersive data visualization through augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), interactive dashboards, and mobile platforms.

CIRUS is where innovation takes flight, combining leading-edge technology with practical expertise to solve real-world problems.

Research services
  • Integration of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and advanced sensor technology
  • Support the creation of RPAS regulatory framework including Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) and Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA)
  • Testing of heavy-lift, high-endurance Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operation
  • Integration of RPAS payload cargo delivery systems
  • Data collection, processing, analytical modeling and dissemination of photogrammetry, thermal infrared imaging, multispectral imaging, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), multi-gas sensing, methane detection, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR)
  • Analytical modeling leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) technology
  • Data visualization leveraging maps, dashboards, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)
  • Enterprise GIS applications including ArcGIS Portal and ArcGIS Online
  • Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) support for disaster management, search and rescue, wildfire mitigation and management, and reforestation/afforestation initiatives, mining, oil and gas, inspection.
Sectors of application
  • Aerospace and satellites
  • Defence and security industries
  • Energy
  • Environmental technologies and related services
  • Forestry and forest-based industries
Specialized LabEquipmentFunction
Remotely Piloted Aviation Training CentreRemotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Simulation Suites (3)Provide learners with the ability to operate drones in simulation and test emergency procedures.
Remotely Piloted Aviation Training CentreClassroomSupport student learning.
Remotely Piloted Aviation Training CentreRPAS WorkshopSupport RPAS maintenance activities.
Environmental Resiliency and Sustainability HubScrum space with processing computersFacilitate collaborations and bridge theory and practice, empowering researchers Canada-wide to turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions for resilience and disaster management.
Environmental Resiliency and Sustainability HubData visualization suiteData visualization leveraging maps, dashboards, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to help solve real-world problems.
Environmental Resiliency and Sustainability HubHigh-performance computing, cybersecurity, and digital twin technologyCreate realistic virtual worlds for experiments, simulations, field missions and data analysis. AR/VR enables immersive experiences to optimize response plans. Offers training and promotes sustainability to enhance disaster prevention and climate resilience.
Applied Research TechnologySwissDrones SDO 50 V3 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) (2)High endurance, long range remotely piloted aircraft.
Applied Research TechnologySwissDrones SDO 50 V2 uncrewed aerial system (UAS)High endurance, long range remotely piloted aircraft.
Applied Research TechnologyAnavia HT-100 uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) (2)High endurance, long range remotely piloted aircraft.
Applied Research TechnologyVelos Rotors V2 uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) helicopter (3)Remotely piloted aircraft.
Applied Research TechnologyAcecore Noa Heavy-Lift uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV)Remotely piloted aircraft.
Applied Research TechnologyDJI Matrice 350 RTK DroneRemotely piloted aircraft.
Applied Research TechnologyLidarSwiss Micro Vux 22 LiDAR systemIndustrial-grade LiDAR sensor.
Applied Research TechnologyMicaSense 10-band SensorMultispectral sensors.
Applied Research TechnologyPergam Laser Falcon methane gas detectorMethane sensor.
Applied Research TechnologySniffer4D multi-gas sensorReal-time detection, mapping, and analysis of multiple gases and particulate matter.
Applied Research TechnologyDJI Zenmuse H20T UAV load gimbal cameraThermal IR and visual sensor.
Applied Research TechnologyDJI Zenmuse P1 UAV load gimbal cameraVisual sensor.
Applied Research TechnologyDJI Zenmuse L1 LiDAR PayloadLiDAR sensor.
  • W21C Research & Innovation Centre
  • Alberta Health Services
  • University of Calgary
  • Frog Lake First Nations
  • Stoney Nakoda Nation
  • Blood Tribe/Káínai Nation
  • Teck Resources Limited
  • RMUS Canada
  • Imperial Energy
  • City of Calgary
  • SwissDrones Operating AG