Drones cost money, and companies have to know how to operate them safely. Depending on the business, some firms may need a drone for only a short period of time, which in turn makes the investment impractical. San Francisco startup Skycatch has a product called Workmode that it claims solves that dilemma. A service called Workmode matches companies wanting a drone with qualified pilots who own and operate them. Hence the claims that it’s “the Uber for drones.” Continue reading
Category Archives: Non-Military & Commercial UAS
New Zealand Experiments Drone Delivery
A New Zealand-first drone delivery over Auckland has given new meaning to “air mail”. Delivery company Fastway Couriers has teamed up with Sydney-based unmanned aerial vehicles UAV company Flirtey to create the aerial delivery service. Continue reading
Homeland Security Tests Drones in ‘Liberty City’
Since late 2012, the Department of Homeland Security has been evaluating small drones for public safety applications. One of the sites for the testing program is an urban obstacle course dubbed “Liberty City.”
Indian Police Control UAV Use
After Mumbai, the Pune city police have now banned the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) —drones for the layman — without seeking prior permission from the local police station. Cops fear that the unmanned aircraft could turn into weapons in the hands of terrorists. Continue reading
Opportunities with UAVs for ag
A great deal of work and research remains before agriculture takes full advantage of unmanned aerial vehicles, but tremendous opportunities justify the effort, UAV and ag officials say. Continue reading
Tsuneishi Shipbuilding to Enlist UAS
Tsuneishi Shipbuilding is to employ drones and communications systems from V-cube after a successful trial exploring drone use to enhance productivity and safety in its shipbuilding operations.
Drones Survey Mount Hakone Amid Volcanic Alert
The prefectural government of Kanagawa has used drones to survey a no-go zone in the Owakudani hot spring district on Mount Hakone, where a level 2 volcanic alert has been in place. Continue reading
‘Abortion Drone’ to Drop DIY Drugs to Women in Poland
A drone carrying medical abortion pills is set to fly to Poland, where abortion is severely restricted for women. The ‘abortion drone’ is being sent by not-for-profit organisation Women on Waves – which provides medical abortion pills around the world – in a bid to help Polish women terminate their pregnancies safely.