Scientists in Iceland are turning to new technologies to help them predict the next major volcanic eruption there. Katla is one of the country’s most active and dangerous volcanoes, covered by the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Researchers are watching it very closely because it has the potential to be more damaging than the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which brought Europe to a standstill in 2010. Continue reading
Category Archives: News
Guinness World Record: Intel and Ars Electronica Futurelab Send 100 Drones Aloft at Night
“One rarely experiences moments in which it becomes crystal clear how important and rewarding it can be to defy all the naysayers, to steadfastly pursue a vision and to work unwaveringly for years to bring it to fruition.” That’s how Horst Hörtner, director of the Ars Electronica Futurelab, summarized what was going through his head when 100 drones took off in pursuit of a world record in November 2015.
Disney Applies to use Drones at Disneyland
The Walt Disney Co. is seeking an exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration so it can possibly use drones for its nightly fireworks show at Disneyland and at Walt Disney World. Continue reading
US Air Force wants a Portable System to Counter sUAS
The US Air Force in now jumping into the counter-drone game, following other service branches such as the Army as well as civilian agencies that include the Bureau of Prisons, to combat potentially dangerous, expendable aerial bombs deliver by small unmanned aerial systems.
New US Medal for UAS Pilots and Cyber Warriors
The Pentagon has firmly rejected the idea of giving unmanned systems pilots and cyber warriors their own medal, and instead will offer a new “R” device to pin on existing noncombat medals. Continue reading
Human-Carrying Drone Unveiled at CES
Chinese drone maker Ehang Inc. unveiled what it calls the world’s first drone capable of carrying a human passenger. The Guangzhou, China-based company pulled the cloth off the Ehang 184 at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the CES gadget show.
Smuggling Military-Grade UAV Parts to Pakistan
The United States is trying to prosecute a man it’s accused of trying to smuggle parts for military-grade drones to the Pakistani military from Tucson. Continue reading
DJI Teams with Ford on Developer Challenge
DJI has announced version 3.0 of its software development kit, or SDK. To help spur developers into working with its SDK, DJI also creates an annual challenge with a cash prize. This year DJI is partnering with Ford and the United Nations to offer $100,000 to the team which builds the best application for launching a drone from moving vehicle as part of a theoretical search-and-rescue mission. Continue reading