Drone as First Responder Set to Revolutionize Public Safety
Evolve Dynamics, a British unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer, has secured an Innovate UK Smart Grant from UK Research and Innovation. The grant will support the development of the company’s innovative Drone-in-a-Box (DiaB) technology, designed to enhance emergency response operations.
Drone as First Responder (DFR): The Future of Emergency Response
The company’s new Drone as First Responder (DFR) system offers a rapid-response solution for emergency situations. Evolve Dynamics has engineered the DFR to be weather-resilient and capable of flying autonomously for up to 45 minutes, providing live video and audio feeds to control centers. This system, which can be mounted on a vehicle or carried by a single person, offers a flexible alternative to the larger UAVs used by many first responders today.
One of the key innovations is the autonomous functionality. “By simply pressing a button on a handheld Ground Control Station (GCS) like a remote control, first responder operators will be able to send the DFR on a pre-planned route to a specific location,” the company explained. The system uses radar, GPS, and object tracking to avoid obstacles, ensuring safe travel to and from its destination.
Autonomous Technology Designed for Public Safety
The DiaB technology represents a major advancement in UAV technology. Evolve Dynamics is the first company to offer a fully autonomous charging solution integrated with a UAV. This single-unit system was created with public safety in mind, aiming to reduce response times, minimize human risk, and improve operational efficiency.
First responders, increasingly turning to UAVs to reduce costs and increase situational awareness, stand to benefit significantly. The DFR system is expected to reduce response times by up to 87% and cut operational costs by £2,000 per incident, all while potentially lowering fatalities and property damage.
Mike Dewhurst, CEO and Founder of Evolve Dynamics, expressed his excitement about the recognition of their work. “We’re delighted and honoured that Innovate UK has recognised the potential of our Drone-In-A-Box technology. We believe this capability holds immense opportunities and is a truly disruptive technology that can transform the way in which first responders operate and work,” Dewhurst said.
A UK-Built Solution for Public Safety
The demand for domestically produced UAVs has grown, especially as concerns rise about the security risks posed by Chinese-made devices. As the global market for public safety drones expands, the UK has the opportunity to capitalize on this shift. Evolve Dynamics’ DFR technology positions the UK as a potential key player in this emerging market.
With the support of Innovate UK, Evolve Dynamics is poised to accelerate the development of its cutting-edge technology, offering a unique solution to first responders around the world.