Drones

A Huntsville company is drawing attention after unveiling what it calls the “world’s biggest autonomous launch vehicle” - or drone - to launch small satellites into space rapidly at prices below conventional launches.

Big Rock Technologies, a finalist in the NATO Innovation COVID Challenge, received approval from Saratoga Springs, N.Y., allowing the city to be the testing grounds for contactless delivery of COVID tests and medicine.

El Paso, Texas, residents who live near a Walmart on the east side of the city can potentially get an at-home COVID-19 testing kit delivered by drone, after the delivery service started Tuesday.

Drones are finding their stride in the county, having already been used to find a missing kayaker. They are also being considered by the Flagler Beach Fire Department to deliver life preservers to swimmers.

Not every 911 call will be answered with a drone, but Brookhaven, Ga., police say the project will give its officers more flexibility, availability and information, while limiting in-person contact amid the coronavirus pandemic.

During a National League of Cities webinar on Monday, various state and city unmanned aerial systems leaders provided insight into what needs to be done to advance drone operations of all types.

The Federal Aviation Administration has maintained a dominant say on the nation's entire airspace. When it comes to drone deliveries, this level of regulatory power may have negative ramifications for states and local areas.

The federal government has approved a waiver to allow North Carolina to operate drones out of sight from the operator during bridge inspections, according to a release from the state’s Department of Transportation.

Answer: By using physics and AI in its favor.

The Federal Aviation Administration is getting involved in workforce development at the college level for drone use, choosing Northwestern Michigan College for its Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Program.

Biologists with the state Department of Fish & Wildlife used a drone to survey and document invasive narrow-leaf cattails in the Skagit Wildlife Area. The drone followed an automated, pre-plotted flight plan.

If one uses national headlines as a guide, it's police in cities that utilize drones and navigate all the issues involved with the technology. As such, the drone program in the small town of Linn, Wis., is a distinct case study.

The Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems has been selected as the lead test site for an FAA program to test and develop virtual traffic management technology, as the technology moves toward on-demand deliveries.

In the past, public safety agencies have always had to maintain visual line of sight with any drones that they fly. Last week the Federal Aviation Administration changed the rules on that front.