DRONELIFE is on the ground at FIX2024 in Daegu, South Korea, where some of the coolest innovations in drones, robotics, and AI are being unveiled. FIX2024 has become a hotspot for emerging technologies that push the boundaries of what autonomous systems can achieve.
We’re usually all in on the drones – but from the newest in automotive and autonomous vehicles to the hundreds of new robotic solutions, we just couldn’t limit ourselves to things that fly. Here are just three of the vast array of new technology that caught our eye on the floor:
Run System’s Boar-Catching Drone
Korean distributor Run System showcased the “Spider Gun” payload, designed to tackle a big challenge in Korea and elsewhere: wild boar management. Mounted beneath an octocopter, this innovative payload carries a deployable net, ready to capture wild boar in flight. It’s an impressive solution to a significant problem.
Wild boar have become a major issue in Korea, particularly in cities and farmlands where their natural predators like tigers and wolves no longer roam. With food shortages in the wild, boars have increasingly been invading urban areas. In 2023, Seoul saw 449 wild boars captured, a 2.7-fold increase from 2022. Run System’s net-equipped drone offers a fast and humane way to manage these animals, providing a modern solution to a very old problem.
Finn Scooters – Golf’s Coolest New Ride
Finn Scooters brought some serious flair to the golf course at FIX2024. Apparently the PGA is already all over it – but we hadn’t seen it before. Described as a “game within a game,” the Finn Scooter is a sleek, motorized alternative to traditional golf carts – and it’s so much cooler. The scooter holds your clubs and gets you around the course quickly, letting golfers experience a whole new level of fun between strokes. And – like everything else in golf – it’s customizable, so you can add your own style.
Unlike bulky golf carts, Finn Scooters are compact, stylish, and offer a thrilling ride. If you want to turn heads and enjoy some smooth, zippy transport, this is the ultimate accessory for your next golf round.
YOUNG HYUN Robotics – The Future of Service Stations
One of the most futuristic displays at FIX2024 came from YOUNG HYUN Robotics, a startup making waves in Korea’s service industry. Their automated robotic systems are set to be deployed in 10 gas and highway service stations across the country, serving up ramen, soft serve ice cream, and pour-over coffee with robotic precision.
And this isn’t just any automated vending machine. The pour-over coffee system is something to behold: one robotic arm grinds a fresh, single-serving of your preferred beans, while another arm places a paper cup beneath a stainless steel filter. The arm then expertly pours hot water in a controlled swirl, mimicking the motions of a skilled barista to ensure the perfect brew. (We tried it – it was delicious.)
If you’re in the mood for ramen, you’re in for a treat. The robotic arms prepare hot ramen in just four minutes, managing everything from the boiling water to the placement of ingredients on the line of hot plates. For busy service stations strapped for staff, YOUNG HYUN Robotics offers a fully automated, seamless experience that’s as fun to watch as it is to eat.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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