“Third Thumb” Augmentation Changes the Way we Think of Prosthetics
Present Day
According to market research company NPD Group, drone sales from February 2016 to February 2017 had more than doubled. No matter the regulations set forth by the FAA, the popularity of drones have only increased across the global population. Which then raises the question: how might we be able to take advantage of this growth in popularity for the benefit of humanity as a whole?
For Irish-based startup company DroneSAR, the ability to use drones to help in search-and-rescue missions could be what is exactly needed – it simply requires the software capable of pulling off the task. Using their patented technology, the company aims to harness multirotor drones as an effective tool in search-and-rescue operations by using an advanced algorithm to enhance these drones with automatic aerial search pattern recognition.
Each drone connected to DroneSAR’s software will be enabled to conduct search patterns based on field-of-view, altitude, and probability of detection. In doing so, this won’t just reduce the amount of time spent in locating victims, but also reduces the risk of possible harm forced upon the rescue mission and crew themselves. Which is why, for nearly two years, both DroneSAR and EENA (European Emergency Numbers Association) have been working together by using their drone technology to assist fire and rescue, EMS, the police, coastguards, and humanitarian agencies.
Near Future
Five to ten years from now, drones will be in full operation throughout various sectors in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere. Search-and-rescue missions will be the key to popularizing commercial-based drones, as it will serve as an argument of importance for our species as a whole. Without drones, the news won’t be able to report certain stories which require aerial view; without drones, the fire and rescue won’t be able to properly monitor areas of importance; without drones, the police and humanitarian agencies won’t be able to locate victims in a timely and efficient manner.
Whether we’re using DroneSAR’s software or something more advanced, it begins with the full implementation of said software to serve as a platform for drones in operation today. It’ll reduce cost, time, and risk. And as the results of these operations come in over this five-to-ten year period, we’ll quickly come to realize just how much we need drones in our lives.
“Our software takes over the difficult task of flying the drone, allowing rescue teams focus on the important task of locating the victim. Using our advanced algorithm, our software generates a suitable flight plan allowing for autonomous flight from take-off to landing. Safety checklists are incorporated to guide the rescue operator through the process, it couldn’t be simpler.”
– DroneSAR
FAR FUTURE
Thirty to fifty years from now, drones will come in all shapes and sizes. They’ll be used for various different sectors and operations across the globe, by both individuals and organizations alike. They’ll likely be used as an effective replacement for declining bee colonies. They’ll also be used as a means of monitoring our entire landscape for poachers, illegal deforestation activities, natural disaster analyses, intelligence gathering, etc. There will be very few limits on how drones will be used in the far future.
Photo Credit: DroneSAR
About the author
B.J. Murphy is the Editor and Social Media Manager of Serious Wonder. He is a futurist, philosopher, activist, author and poet. B.J. is an Affiliate Scholar for the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies (IEET) and an Ambassador for the robotics company Humai.
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