Emesent Commander 2.1 & Cortex 4.0 Release Notes

Release Date: 24th Apr 2025
Products: Commander, Cortex
Version: Commander 2.1, Cortex 4.0

Overview

This software release introduces Emesent’s stope mapping solution, which combines one of our biggest advancements in autonomous navigation with new options for onboard scan processing to radically simplify and accelerate stope mapping reconciliation.

Major Changes

Autonomy Exploration Mode

Hovermap can now explore a defined area without the need for manually placed waypoints. This new feature streamlines mission setup with a simple tap-and-drag gesture to define 3D exploration zones, reducing planning time and simplifying operation.

 

Onboard Processing

Hovermap can now process scans onboard and display a denser, more informative point cloud directly within Commander, enabling rapid in-field assessment. This goes beyond Commander’s decimated live point cloud, offering greater detail to support scan quality checks and on-site decision-making. In addition, by removing the need to return to Aura for processing*, onboard processing reduces delays and provides faster access to actionable insights from captured data.

 

Tighter Autonomy Navigation

Thanks to improvements in Hovermap’s autonomy system, the minimum clearance for autonomous navigation has been reduced from 3.0 metres to 2.4* metres. This allows Hovermap to operate more effectively in tighter spaces, such as narrow drives or stope entries, and reduces the need to switch to Pilot Assist mode.

*Minimum clearance distance is dependent on the platform in use.

Minor Changes

External Control Mode Verification:

To help prevent incidents with drone aircraft at take-off, users will be alerted if they’re conducting the workflow for an autonomous mission without the control switch set to the Hovermap flight mode.

Resolved Issues

• None

Known Issues & Limitations

Please refer to the Known Issues and Limitations page for the most current information.

Next Steps

• Confirm compatibility: Check the Supported Devices page before updating.

• Update Instructions: Update Commander and Update Cortex

• Documentation: Commander User Manual and Hovermap User Manual

• Need Help? Contact Customer Support for assistance.

 

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Emesent Commander 2.0 & Cortex 3.4

Emesent Commander Releases

Scroll down to review notes from previous Emesent Commander releases.

• Emesent Commander 1.5.2

• Emesent Commander 1.5.1

• Emesent Commander 1.5

• Emesent Commander 1.4

• Emesent Commander 1.3

• Emesent Commander 1.2

• Emesent Commander 1.1

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Emesent Commander 1.5.2

Fixed in this release

• Vehicle RTK Performance Improvements

  • Enhanced RTK performance for improved positioning accuracy and stability across various operational conditions

• Vehicle RTK Path History Display

  • RTK path history is now disabled by default for vehicles, helping to declutter the interface and improve focus on real-time data.

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Emesent Commander 1.5.1

Fixed in this release

• Fixed the issue of frequent communication dropouts between Emesent Commander and Emesent Cortex despite stable Wi-Fi connections on Android devices due to outdated GRPC dependencies. This upgrade also improves stability during extended sessions.

• Fixed an issue where the Hovermap failed pre-scan checks when using Backpack RTK and Vehicle RTK setups, leading to errors and inability to initiate scans. Corrections were made to the mission logic to prevent autonomy missions from triggering during RTK mapping operations.

• Fixed an issue where the battery status is incorrectly displayed as 100% during Vehicle RTK or Backpack RTK missions even though battery information is unavailable from these RTK units.

• When Freefly Astro is detected, the FPV feed is now hidden by default and the point cloud is displayed in the Main View. The FPV feed can be manually enabled via the Application settings when Auterion is closed.

• Emesent Commander now remains active even without user interaction to ensure the point cloud is populated in the Main View.

• Reduced unnecessary calls during mapping and RTK missions to improve optimization. This update helps lower the load on less powerful tablets, enhancing performance during longer missions. Note that while this improvement helps delay performance issues, it may not completely eliminate them on lower-spec devices.

Known Issues

• When using Freefly Astro, enabling the FPV feed via the Application Settings while Auterion is being run may result in FPV feed stuttering.

• When a mission has started, and the phone or tablet is locked, Emesent Commander may enter sleep mode, resulting in incomplete data and gaps in the point cloud visualization. While the Hovermap will continue to capture data, it may not be rendered in the app. To ensure you can visualize all captured data, do not lock your device while the mission is in progress.

• When initiating a scan offload via the Web UI accessed through the application, users may encounter a situation where the download begins but subsequently fails. To mitigate this issue, it is recommended to use a web browser to access the Web UI and download the scan from there.

• After upgrading the Hovermap and connecting it to a DJI M210, Emesent Commander displays a "Not available for connected platform" notification. However, the connection is established correctly following a restart of the app, the Hovermap, and the remote controller.

• The documentation for the RC Plus controller indicates the possibility of calibration (independent of the drone), as outlined here: https://dl.djicdn.com/downloads/DJI_RC_Plus/20230518UM/DJI_RC_Plus_User_Manual_EN_v2.0.pdf
  DJI has not enabled integrators to add this feature to their apps and will need to be completed in the DJI native app.

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Emesent Commander 1.5

Major Changes

RTK (Real-Time Kinematics) Status

In this release, RTK status information is now accessible in Emesent Commander, allowing users to easily monitor key details when using Vehicle RTK or Backpack RTK, including:

• RTK Status (Fixed, Float, Single, No GPS, Offline)

• number of satellites in use by the GNSS receiver

• the GNSS receiver’s reported location and precision

With RTK information directly available in Emesent Commander, users can stay updated without switching to the GNSS receiver's native application to check for information.

Mission Report

Emesent Commander now includes a Mission Report feature that allows for annotating and reviewing scans directly within the app before offloading data. Users can access key mission attributes on the Mission Report page, gaining valuable insights into mission performance. Detailed notes can also be added to the selected scan, enhancing documentation for thorough analysis and reporting.

Robot path saved even during loss of connection

With this update, Hovermap automatically saves the robot's path even if the connection is lost. Users can view the complete path in Emesent Commander, ensuring that no segments are missing in the path data due to a temporary loss of connectivity.

Multi-language Support

Multi-language Support, previously released in beta, is now fully featured. With this update, users can now enjoy enhanced functionality and stability.

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Emesent Commander 1.4

Major Changes

Multi-language Support (Beta Release)

The Emesent Commander offers comprehensive multilingual support for nine major markets,
enhancing accessibility and user experience for our global audience. This update introduces localized language options to cater to users in key regions, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience in their preferred language.

Supported Languages

Imperial Measurement System Support

The Emesent Commander now supports the imperial system alongside the metric system. This enhancement gives users the flexibility to select their preferred unit of measurement directly within the application settings. Easily switch between meters and feet with a simple toggle for optimal usability across different regions and contexts.

Map Widget Integration (DJI only)

The Emesent Commander app has been seamlessly integrated with the Map Widget, changing how users navigate and visualize scanning operations. This integration allows users to access high-quality mapping data and powerful visualization tools.

The Map Widget provides real-time mapping capabilities, for DJI users when the remote controller is
connected. This enables users to monitor drone telemetry data overlaid on a map, ensuring situational
awareness even without a reliable connection. This capability is essential, particularly in Pilot Assist and
Autonomous missions, where precision and operational insight are critical.
In addition, the Overlay feature facilitates seamless transitions between the map, first-person view
(FPV), and point cloud view, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the operational environment.

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Emesent Commander 1.3

Major Changes

Android Smartphone Support

The Emesent Commander app is now compatible with Android smartphones. When launched, the app automatically detects the device type being used. On a smartphone, the app presents a streamlined interface that has been optimized for smaller screens. This interface allows you to perform scanning missions in Mapping mode. In addition, the smartphone version also allows you to start and stop scans, turn on Observer Mode, access the Web UI, download logs, and configure application settings.

Minor Changes

• An important update has been introduced to enhance user safety during Mapping mode missions on compatible robots. Previously, users could start Mapping mode missions without being aware that Hovermap's Shield protection and Assisted Flight were not enabled. This is often not desirable, particularly in GPS-denied environments.
  
  With this update, users will now receive a confirmation message when they initiate a Mapping mode mission on a compatible platform. This aims to ensure that users only choose a Mapping mode mission when they do not require Shield protection and Assisted Flight. By selecting Mapping mode, users are aware that they won't have the assistance of Shield protection, which could expose the drone to risks in GPS-denied environments. They can either proceed without Shield or cancel and plan an Autonomous mode mission to provide additional protection against obstacles.

• A new Network Settings window has been added to the system for managing and configuring network connections. The screen displays the existing network connection, which can be changed through the Network Settings screen (accessed via the Menu Options) or the Connectivity page of the Mission Workflow. The list of available or inactive networks displays any previous connections based on the availability of the Wi-Fi network.

• Users can now view the task ID when setting tasks for a mission. This enhancement improves mission tracking and management by providing users with a clear indication of tasks in the Task Manager.

• When performing a mission in Autonomous mode, once the scan has started and the robot is armed, the Shield Indicator automatically displays while taking off to ensure any obstacles can be seen. During arming and take-off, audio is not played if obstacles are reported below the robot.

• The Follow Robot function, which allows you to follow the Hovermap as you move through the 3D View is enabled by default.

• The display notification for an active failsafe has been improved. When a failsafe is triggered, it will be displayed as a notification in the Active Failsafe area beside the Notification button. All other notifications (if any) are shown below the failsafe in order of severity. Once the failsafe has been completed, it will be removed from the Active Failsafe area and notifications are displayed as per normal operation.

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Emesent Commander 1.2

Major Changes

Freefly Astro Drone Support

This release introduces support for the Freefly Astro drones utilizing the Hovermap as a payload. In addition to the drone support, Emesent Commander can be installed on the Freefly Pilot Pro tablet via an external USB storage device or the Freefly Updater app.

Minor Changes

• Attempting to start the scan with unsaved changes to the scan name on the Scan Setup page of the Mission Workflow will display a message prompt confirming whether you want to save the changes before continuing.

• The RC Mode selection is hidden from the Pre-mission settings page of the Mission Workflow and the Mission Controls in the Main View when connected to Astro.

• When the Shield settings panel is open in the Main View and Emesent Commander loses connection with the Hovermap, a message at the top of the panel shows that the Hovermap is disconnected and you need to re-establish the connection to continue.

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Emesent Commander 1.1

Major Changes

Observer Mode

Observer Mode enables viewing of the ongoing mission in real-time on multiple Android devices simultaneously, ensuring that stakeholders, supervisors, or team members can monitor the progress from different locations or using different devices.
While observers can view the mission progress, control over mission settings or robot operation is disabled to ensure that those monitoring cannot inadvertently interfere with the ongoing operation.

Integrated Compass Calibration in Mission Workflow

Compass calibration can be done directly through Emesent Commander’s Mission Workflow, ensuring the compass is accurately calibrated before takeoff, without the need to navigate through complex remote controller menus.
Emesent Commander provides a user-friendly, step-by-step guide of the calibration process with clear instructions and visual cues.

Enhanced Experience for DJI Matrice 350 Owners with RC Plus Controller

For DJI Matrice M350 drone owners, the new RC Plus controller features an optimized Emesent Commander user interface. The menu items and fonts are tailored to seamlessly adapt to the RC Plus controller's 7-inch screen, ensuring effortless navigation through the app's extensive functions and settings.

Spot: Remote Start and Stop Operation

This feature allows for the remote start and stop operation of your Spot robot (Boston Dynamics). This functionality, which can be accessed via the robot’s controller or the Scout desktop software, enables you to perform pre-planned autonomous Autowalk missions.

Minor Changes

• The Point Coloring section in the Display Settings panel now features additional color ranges.