Airbus Group and Local Motors have launched a global co-creation challenge to identify the next generation of commercial UAS (drone) technology. The two companies are inviting amateurs and professionals alike into a joint project that includes a series of co-creation activities, online competitions, open-source projects, and hackathons all focused on designing a next-generation commercial UAS solution.
Category Archives: Non-Military & Commercial UAS
Property Drone Consortium Announces Charter Members
The Property Drone Consortium (PDC), a collaboration that consists of insurance carriers, construction industry leaders and supporting enterprises announced its roster of charter members that includes: Allstate Corporation, American Family Insurance, Auto-Owners Insurance, EagleView Technologies, Inc., Erie Insurance and Pilot Catastrophe Services. Continue reading
Bringing Aerial Technology to Emergency Providers
European Emergency Number Association (EENA) has announced that it is working with DJI to look for ways to integrate the use of drones into first-response missions. Based in Belgium, EENA is a non-governmental organisation that serves as a discussion platform for emergency services, public authorities and researchers to transfer knowledge and best practice to better serve the needs of the public. Continue reading
Using UAS for Transmission R&D
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) initiated a concerted effort into the application of unmanned aerial systems (UASs) for transmission research in 2012. The effort has accelerated and grown as UAS have increased in their capability and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations have relaxed. Continue reading
Drones to Check Planning Applications in UK
Drones are being used by councils in England to fly over the homes of people making planning applications, the Daily Telegraph has learned. A Freedom of Information survey of hundreds of councils found that a dozen had admitted to using or hiring drones. Two councils – Epping Forest and Moray – said the drones could be used to check on planning applications. Continue reading
Helicopter Drone Gets Green Light, Takes Off
The Volocopter, the world’s first helicopter drone that anyone can fly, even with no pilot experience, has received the green light from German aviation authorities to fly as an ultralight aircraft.
German Authorities Struggle to Reel in Errant Drones
Drone sales are soaring in Germany, but so is the number of potentially dangerous near-miss incidents around airports. The authorities have now decided that it’s time to reel in the flying robots.
Inspection Trials of Delaware Memorial Bridge Using Drone Technology
The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) recently conducted an inspection of the Delaware Memorial Bridge Twin Span using an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) or drone. Keystone Aerial Surveys, Inc., based at Northeast Philadelphia Airport, in cooperation with WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff, utilized an Inspire Pro 1 and Maverik X8 to perform the inspection services for DRBA as a test of the technology. The test inspection flights occurred on the New Jersey side of the Bridge complex on Tuesday, April 5. Continue reading