Advancing Remote Sensing with Compact Interferometric Radar Technology
Introduction
Established in 2017 in São José dos Campos, Brazil, Radaz is a technology company specializing in the development of advanced remote sensing radar systems. The company has gained recognition for creating the world’s most compact three-band interferometric radar, capable of being deployed on Class 3 drones. This innovation has significant applications across various sectors, including agriculture, forestry, mining, civil construction, hydropower, and research institutions.
Company Background
Radaz was founded by Laila Moreira, an electrical engineer with a background in optical sensors, and co-led by Chief Engineer João Moreira. The company’s inception was supported by a R$1 million investment from the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) through the PIPE Entrepreneur program. Radaz’s team comprises professionals with experience from institutions such as Bonn Elektronik GmbH in Germany and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the United States, bringing a wealth of knowledge in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology.
Technological Innovation
Radaz’s flagship product, the RD350, is a lightweight (3 kg) radar system that integrates three frequency bands—C, L, and P—into a single unit. This design allows the radar to penetrate vegetation and subsurface layers, providing detailed imaging regardless of lighting or weather conditions. The RD350’s compact size enables it to be mounted on Class 3 drones, facilitating rapid deployment and access to remote or challenging terrains.
Product Development Timeline
- 2017: Radaz was founded and filed its first patent for a radar system designed for cartography and monitoring.
- 2018: The company began flight operations and received approval for Phase 2 of the FAPESP PIPE program.
- 2019: Radaz obtained product certification from Anatel and secured its first service contract with Nexa/IPT.
- 2020: Development of the RY3X0 product line commenced, focusing on forest inventory and digital terrain modeling.
- 2021: The company developed a product for detecting ant nests and received certification from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TDRA) in the United Arab Emirates.
- 2022: Radaz introduced real-time processing capabilities and developed products for identifying insects and oil in water.
Applications Across Industries
- Agriculture: The RD350 aids in monitoring crop health, soil moisture, and detecting underground anomalies, enhancing precision agriculture practices.
- Forestry: By penetrating dense vegetation, the radar assists in forest inventory management and detecting illegal logging activities.
- Mining: The system enables the identification of mineral deposits and monitoring of ground stability, improving safety and efficiency in mining operations.
- Civil Construction: The radar’s ability to image subsurface structures supports infrastructure development and maintenance by identifying potential issues before they become critical.
- Hydropower: Monitoring of dam structures and surrounding terrain helps in assessing risks and ensuring the integrity of hydropower facilities.
- Research and Academia: Universities and research centers utilize Radaz’s technology for environmental studies, geological surveys, and developing new remote sensing methodologies.
Global Expansion and Collaborations
Radaz has extended its reach beyond Brazil, exporting its technology to countries such as Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The company is actively seeking to expand into other European markets, reflecting its commitment to global growth and collaboration.
Recognition and Industry Presence
Radaz has been featured in various media outlets, including the Pesquisa FAPESP magazine, highlighting its contributions to technological innovation in Brazil. The company regularly participates in industry events such as the DroneShow Robotics, showcasing its latest advancements and engaging with stakeholders across sectors.
Conclusion
Radaz’s development of compact, multi-band interferometric radar systems represents a significant advancement in remote sensing technology. By enabling detailed subsurface imaging through a lightweight, drone-mounted platform, the company addresses critical needs across multiple industries. Radaz’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration positions it as a leader in the field of remote sensing radar technology.
