AI-Enabled Autonomous Drones: The Next First Responder
Tracks
Room 5 - Coolangatta Rooms
| Monday, July 27, 2026 |
| 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM |
| Room 5 - Coolangatta Rooms |
Overview
Dr. Kelvin Ross, KJR & Aaron Bell, Kushai
Speaker
Mr Aaron Bell
CEO
Kushai
AI-Enabled Autonomous Drones: The Next First Responder
Abstract
Emergency services are under increasing pressure to make faster decisions with fewer resources. This presentation demonstrates how autonomous drone systems, AI at the edge and remote operations are reshaping disaster response by providing rapid situational awareness, detecting people, vessels and hazards in real time, and supporting responders long before crews reach the scene. Drawing on real Australian deployments, including Surf Life Saving operations, we'll demonstrate how scalable autonomous systems can extend the reach of emergency services while keeping people safer and enabling better operational decisions
Biography
Aaron leads Kushai’s strategic growth and partnerships, bringing extensive experience in operational technology and solution delivery. Aaron spent 25 years in the Australian Army in aerospace engineering, and several years in industry consulting before coming on board to lead Kushai.
Dr Kelvin Ross
Managing Director
KJR
AI-Enabled Autonomous Drones: The Next First Responder
Abstract
Emergency services are under increasing pressure to make faster decisions with fewer resources. This presentation demonstrates how autonomous drone systems, AI at the edge and remote operations are reshaping disaster response by providing rapid situational awareness, detecting people, vessels and hazards in real time, and supporting responders long before crews reach the scene. Drawing on real Australian deployments, including Surf Life Saving operations, we'll demonstrate how scalable autonomous systems can extend the reach of emergency services while keeping people safer and enabling better operational decisions.
Biography
Dr. Kelvin Ross is a pioneer in software quality and trusted AI adoption with 30+ years’ industry experience. His career launched in the Defence sector, developing safety-critical software for FA-18 radar systems, and advanced with a PhD in safety-critical systems engineering. In 1997, he founded KJR, growing it into a national software quality engineering consultancy with over 100 experts driving technological innovation across Australia. Passionate about responsible AI, Kelvin is also CTO of Kushai where he leads technology and product development.
