Drone in a Box Testing for Emergency Service Use
Tracks
Marquis Room | In-Person Only
| Tuesday, July 23, 2024 |
| 2:40 PM - 3:00 PM |
Overview
Paul Hardy, Surf Life Saving NSW
Details
Key Presentation Learnings:
1. Drone in a box technology for information gathering
2. Regulatory updates for drones
3. Maturing a drone capability
Speaker
Mr Paul Hardy
Manager & Chief Remote Pilot
Australian UAV Service
Drone in a Box Testing for Emergency Service Use
Abstract
Surf Life Saving NSW’s Australian UAV Service (AUAVS) goal is to design the future uses of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the fire and emergency services sector. This presentation, "Optimising Emergency Response: Drone in a Box Platform Trials for UAV Surveillance Advancements," shares insights from the AUAVS’s recent trial of the DJI Dock platform during winter 2023.
The trial, conducted over 16 days at Evans Head (NSW Far North Coast), focused on assessing the Drone in a Box’s (DIAB) performance and potential applications for enhancing UAV surveillance capabilities for emergency response. Findings from the trial revealed that the DIAB’s performance aligned closely with expected outcomes based on the product’s specifications and features. Flight missions planned through a cloud-based drone operations management platform were executed accurately, demonstrating the platform's reliability.
The trial showcased the potential for DIABs to significantly reduce response times for UAV surveillance at coastal incidents near a DIAB site, operating effectively in various weather conditions. The ability to operate DIABs remotely using the cloud platform (with appropriate qualifications/CASA approval), emerged as a key finding. This opens possibilities for conducting flight operations in remote areas where on-site pilot presence is challenging.
Moreover, the trial indicated that routine flight missions could be handled by DIABs, allowing UAV Pilots to focus on more complex tasks or be deployed to other locations. The prospect of centrally managing multiple Docks remotely from a Remote Operations Centre will be explored in upcoming months.
Note: This abstract will be further updated with many exciting outcomes, based on continuation of this project continuing throughout FY24Q2 and Q3, with three DIAB platforms being trialled by AUAVS in full Beyond Visual Line of Sight conditions. This extended evaluation will inform decisions on potential long-term/permanent implementation of DIAB, contributing to the ongoing innovation and disruption in emergency response strategies.
The trial, conducted over 16 days at Evans Head (NSW Far North Coast), focused on assessing the Drone in a Box’s (DIAB) performance and potential applications for enhancing UAV surveillance capabilities for emergency response. Findings from the trial revealed that the DIAB’s performance aligned closely with expected outcomes based on the product’s specifications and features. Flight missions planned through a cloud-based drone operations management platform were executed accurately, demonstrating the platform's reliability.
The trial showcased the potential for DIABs to significantly reduce response times for UAV surveillance at coastal incidents near a DIAB site, operating effectively in various weather conditions. The ability to operate DIABs remotely using the cloud platform (with appropriate qualifications/CASA approval), emerged as a key finding. This opens possibilities for conducting flight operations in remote areas where on-site pilot presence is challenging.
Moreover, the trial indicated that routine flight missions could be handled by DIABs, allowing UAV Pilots to focus on more complex tasks or be deployed to other locations. The prospect of centrally managing multiple Docks remotely from a Remote Operations Centre will be explored in upcoming months.
Note: This abstract will be further updated with many exciting outcomes, based on continuation of this project continuing throughout FY24Q2 and Q3, with three DIAB platforms being trialled by AUAVS in full Beyond Visual Line of Sight conditions. This extended evaluation will inform decisions on potential long-term/permanent implementation of DIAB, contributing to the ongoing innovation and disruption in emergency response strategies.
Biography
Paul is a driven, professional, and dedicated project management and people relationship expert with a history of leading successful teams and ensuring high quality outcomes. Paul is motivated by enthusiastic and creative teams who communicate well, and have a strong emphasis on work/life balance.
Paul has a passion for the environment and for scientific involvement in industry. Paul has experience in governance, strategic planning, and Board Director positions. In Paul’s career, Paul wants to ensure a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative approach is taken throughout project delivery.
