{"id":105561,"date":"2025-03-07T14:59:20","date_gmt":"2025-03-07T19:59:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dronelife.com\/?p=105561"},"modified":"2025-03-10T07:38:39","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T11:38:39","slug":"dronelife-exclusive-elsight-ceo-on-how-halo-connectivity-enables-reliable-bvlos-drone-operations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dronelife.com\/2025\/03\/07\/dronelife-exclusive-elsight-ceo-on-how-halo-connectivity-enables-reliable-bvlos-drone-operations\/","title":{"rendered":"DRONELIFE Exclusive: Elsight CEO on How Halo Connectivity Enables Reliable BVLOS Drone Operations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight is widely recognized as a key enabler for the commercial drone industry. With the ability to fly drones over long distances without direct human oversight, BVLOS operations unlock new possibilities for industries such as delivery, infrastructure inspection, and defense. However, one of the biggest challenges to BVLOS adoption is ensuring reliable, uninterrupted connectivity. Elsight<\/a>, an Israel-based technology company, has developed the Halo connectivity platform to address this challenge.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Yoav Amitai, Elsight CEO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We spoke with Yoav Amitai, CEO of Elsight, to learn more about how Halo is transforming BVLOS operations through continuous, multi-link connectivity.<\/p>\n

The Origins of Halo<\/h3>\n

Elsight\u2019s founders, Roee Kashi and Nir Gabbay, initially developed video compression technology based on their military experience. By 2019, they identified a growing need in the uncrewed industry for highly reliable Command and Control (C2) connectivity. This led to the development of Halo, a connectivity platform designed to ensure seamless and redundant communication for drone operations.<\/p>\n

\u201cHalo was built with one goal in mind: ensuring mission continuity in all circumstances,\u201d explains Amitai. \u201cBy creating a bonded tunnel using all available wireless links, we eliminate single points of failure and ensure uninterrupted connectivity.\u201d<\/p>\n

How Halo Ensures Reliable Connectivity<\/h3>\n

\"ElsightUnlike traditional failover solutions that switch between networks only when a connection is lost, Halo aggregates multiple communication links simultaneously. Typically, the system integrates four LTE\/5G modems from major operators, along with private networks, Wi-Fi, RF, and satellite links. Halo actively manages these connections, steering traffic dynamically across networks to optimize reliability and minimize latency.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn our terminology, \u2018disconnect\u2019 is game over,\u201d says Amitai. \u201cOur technology prevents that scenario by ensuring every available link is used efficiently, maintaining a seamless connection.\u201d<\/p>\n

Overcoming Connectivity Challenges in Complex Environments<\/h3>\n

BVLOS flights often take place in areas with limited connectivity, such as remote regions, mountainous terrain, and industrial sites. Halo\u2019s ability to integrate multiple spectrum bands\u2014including commercial and military networks, point-to-point radio (MANET), and satellite communications\u2014ensures reliable performance even in challenging environments.<\/p>\n

\u201cHalo allows for smooth handoffs between different communication paths without downtime,\u201d says Amitai. \u201cThis is critical for applications like inspecting pipelines, monitoring electric grids, or delivering essential supplies to remote locations.\u201d<\/p>\n

Additionally, Halo\u2019s HeatSight feature collects and analyzes data on signal strength at every point along a flight path, helping optimize future operations.<\/p>\n

Applications and Industry Impact<\/h3>\n

Halo\u2019s multi-link connectivity is proving essential across various industries. In drone delivery, it enables seamless remote operation, ensuring real-time tracking and control of flights. For infrastructure inspection, drones equipped with Halo can fly closer to assets, collecting high-quality data without connectivity interruptions. In defense, the platform enhances operational security by preventing jamming and enabling reliable communication across borders.<\/p>\n

\u201cHalo isn\u2019t just about keeping drones connected,\u201d Amitai notes. \u201cIt\u2019s about enabling entire fleets to operate safely, efficiently, and with complete situational awareness.\u201d<\/p>\n

A recent addition to the platform, the Boxed Halo, provides an immediate, deployable connectivity solution. This variant has been particularly useful in environments with poor infrastructure, supporting both commercial and defense missions.<\/p>\n

The Role of Cellular Networks in BVLOS Flight<\/h3>\n

With Elsight\u2019s CTO, Roee Kashi, serving as Co-Chair of the GSMA Drone Interest Group, the company is deeply involved in shaping the future of cellular-based drone connectivity. Cellular networks, widely available and cost-effective, are expected to form the backbone of BVLOS operations.<\/p>\n

\u201cMobile operators are always looking for new revenue streams, and the expansion of cellular infrastructure for drone connectivity presents a significant opportunity,\u201d says Amitai. \u201cBy integrating cellular networks with other communication methods, we can create a truly global, reliable BVLOS ecosystem.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Future of Elsight and the Halo Platform<\/h3>\n

Looking ahead, Elsight is focused on expanding the capabilities of the Halo platform. The company is exploring applications beyond drones, including robotics and communication for large autonomous vehicles. Amitai hints at exciting developments on the horizon: \u201cOur R&D and product teams are working on new capabilities that will make a big impact. We\u2019re always looking to provide our partners with more \u2018wow\u2019 moments.\u201d<\/p>\n

For innovators in the drone industry tackling connectivity challenges, Amitai offers simple but powerful advice: \u201cDon\u2019t fall in love with your solution\u2014fall in love with the problem. And if connectivity is your challenge, come work with us at Elsight!\u201d<\/p>\n

As BVLOS operations continue to gain regulatory approval and commercial traction, connectivity solutions like Elsight\u2019s Halo will be critical in enabling safe, scalable, and efficient drone missions. With its commitment to uninterrupted, multi-network communication, Elsight is positioning itself as a key player in the evolution of unmanned systems.<\/p>\n

Want DRONELIFE news delivered to your inbox every weekday? \u00a0Sign up\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Read more:<\/p>\n