Amazon’s latest patent, called ‘Countermeasure for Threats to an Uncrewed Autonomous Vehicle’, was filed on November 17, 2014 and was published last week. If a drone is stuck with a rock, gun or even an arrow, the system will deploy ‘a protective device such as an airbag, foam, parachute, bumper and so forth’.
Category Archives: Non-Military & Commercial UAS
More About French Postal Drone Service
New Drone Can Hoist 500 Pounds
The GRIFF 300 is the first in a planned line of unmanned aerial systems (U.A.S) designed to lift and carry huge loads. The 300 refers to its gross lifting weight in kilograms, so this one can carry up to 496 pounds (payload). Continue reading
Japan’s Drone Sector Flying High
From high-street playthings to sophisticated commercial and military aircraft, drones are seen as being at the sharp end of technology. Yet, paradoxically, traditionally low-tech countries such as India and Pakistan are now churning out their own models. The commercial drone business is driven by advances in key components such as sensors, lenses and radio control devices – and manufacturers buy these from producers in advanced tech countries. Continue reading
Illinois Tests Drones to Help with Inspections
The Illinois Department of Transportation thinks that two new, 7 1/2-pound, 2 1/2-foot-wide devices will help the agency rise to new heights of safety and cost efficiency.
First Ever Cargo Drone Deliveries in Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon is home to thousands of local indigenous communities spread across very remote areas. As a result, these sparsely populated communities rarely have reliable access to essential medicines and public health services. For example, local doctors in the region report an average of 45 snakebites per month and no rapid access to antivenom. Continue reading
Sweden Set to Reverse Controversial ‘Drone Ban’
Sweden’s controversial drone ban could soon be reversed as the country’s government seeks to change the introduction of a new rule that was heavily criticized by media companies and trade associations. Continue reading
Intel Acquires MAVinci from European Space Agency
There are thousands of drone companies out there, but Intel has chosen to acquire MAVinci, a start-up from one of the European Space Agency’s business incubators in Germany that has developed an easy-to-use system for land surveillance.