Drones

Voters were projected to approve a ballot measure that will ease restrictions on vehicle pursuits, allowing for the use of more surveillance technology and reducing oversight from the Police Commission.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is planning to fly a large drone over a stretch of highway outside Columbus as part of a pilot traffic surveillance program, after receiving special permission.

Officials with WellSpan Health — which is based in York County, Pa. — said this week that they are preparing to use drones to deliver prescriptions and medical supplies to patients’ homes.

The Department of Justice approved the drone policy Tuesday, a decision New Orleans police say allows them to deploy drones in specific scenarios as a "more efficient, cost-effective and safer alternative."

An out-of-town businessman wants to fly surveillance drones over city neighborhoods, but aldermen, the mayor and local activists are pushing back against a plan they say is unwanted.

Walmart will have the ability to make drone deliveries with its partners Wing and Zipline to 75% of Dallas-Fort Worth by the end of this year, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said Tuesday.

In an attempt to remove some of the mystery and danger that accompanies one of law enforcement’s most hazardous jobs, agencies in Ohio are outfitting their SWAT teams with cutting-edge tech.

Thanks to a drone waiver granted by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division is able to more nimbly keep track of the state's entire rail network.

The state already leads the country with regards to unmanned aerial system testing, but one state lawmaker is advocating for more of the technology and a new state agency to oversee it safely.

On Tuesday night, around 50 people, including law enforcement, civic leaders, journalists and citizens, turned up to the police academy to see a demonstration of the new drones and ask questions.

On Monday, the Plano City Council tabled an item to amend zoning that would allow for unmanned aircraft drone delivery from commercial drone delivery hubs and air taxi operation within the city.

The Plano City Council on Monday will consider amending zoning to allow commercial drone delivery hubs to operate within the city, making it possible for land to be used for drone package delivery.

A drone company is wrapping up a contract to inspect all the churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, which has so far seen a crew of operators look at 46 churches over the past three years.

Unmanned aircraft industry leaders say they are ready to set up a network of sensors that would enable drones to deliver emergency medical supplies, create detailed maps and assist emergency planning across Cambria County.

Initially, the service will be used to send specialty medicines and other prescriptions to patients' homes from more than a dozen Cleveland Clinic locations across Northeast Ohio, according to a news release.

A drone was used by Harrisburg police to track down a man suspected of breaking the windows of several patrol vehicles at a city facility and assaulting an officer. A female accomplice was arrested at the scene.

Robots and drones are entering the delivery space, pairing the package with the right-size vehicle. But these new options will likely come at the expense of gig workers, who rely on cars to make their deliveries.

New York City has announced the launch of the new Smart City Testbed Program, which will involve government collaboration with outside organizations to launch eight pilot technology projects.