Belfast-based cyber security firm Angoka has acquired transport security specialist R4DARTech Ltd in a bid to consolidate the two firms' leading positions in their respective fields of ground transport and aviation.

Angoka, which develop Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to secure autonomous and remotely controlled vehicles as well as aircraft and air corridors from hacking and other interference, said the deal would enhance and extend its reach in the sector.

Cambridge-based R4DARTech has created a geospatial awareness device the size of a credit card that enables drones to navigate and land safely without relying on communication networks or GPS location to the benefit of drone operators and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. 

Angoka chairman Steve Berry said alloying its own technologies would be greatly enhanced by R4DAR's products. Terms of the deal were undisclosed.

“R4DAR Technologies, led by Clem Robertson, is making a vital contribution to the drive towards autonomous transportation,” said Berry. “Both Clem and I are very excited by the prospect of taking forward new transport projects.

In Association with

"We have both been collaborating in recent years on a variety of UK government-backed projects and this acquisition will accelerate our journey to safer, cleaner and more reliable transportation on the ground and in the air.” 

“Early unequivocal detection and identification of obstacles and hazards is the single biggest challenge for current and future intelligent transport systems," Robertson said.

“Being able to securely locate and identify potential dangers in complex environments will be fundamental to ensuring safety in the autonomous world, and we’re very thankful to organisations such as Zenzic and Innovate UK which are championing this important work.

"The combined low-cost and low maintenance solution has the capacity to provide the necessary geospatial awareness to enable autonomous air mobility systems to navigate safely and securely even in the most adverse environments.” 

Angoka which also has offices in London and The Hague, held net assets of £258,000 at the end of 2021, the last year for which accounts are available. The company made a loss of £232,000 that year, up from £106,000 in 2020.

Photo: Steve Berry (left) and Clem Robertson.