Safety in Drone Numbers

Welcome to Mount Hypothetical! Your one-stop-shop for drone-related choose your own adventure scenarios:

You and your new mountain bike careen down a black-diamond trail on a backdrop of crystalline, snow-capped peaks. You’re on top of the world when –without warning – trouble strikes. In scenario #1, a freak avalanche buries you in tons of rumbling snow. In scenario #2, an unseen rut launches your face into a tree. And, scenario #3? We’ll get to that later but suffice it to say, it’s more positive.

What do ANY of these hypothetical cycling mishaps have to do with drones? Well, only the difference between life and death. As the utility of drone technology begins to intersect with just about every aspect of human existence, UAVs tasked with keeping us alive could be at the top of the development list. 

For example, let’s revisit scenario #1 – the avalanche. If a concept developed by designer Tatiana Rolle can be successfully produced, you may be saved by a drone. Rolle’s design would see the installation of sensors across mountain ranges. When an avalanche is detected, UAVs would be deployed to survey the area and paint a mark around the victim’s location while transmitting GPS coordinates to rescue workers. 

Wonderful! We rescued you from the icy jaws of death but what about scenario #2 (aka “When Cyclist Met Tree”)? You’re injured, bleeding and you need immediate medical attention. Maybe Superman can’t save you but, look to the sky, because drone aid may be on the way. Austrian graduate student Stefen Riegebauer is developing a first-responder concept that combines flying UAVs, a mobile app, and crowdsourcing. 

Ben Schiller of Co.Exist explains: 

“You create an app that anyone trained in first aid signs up to, creating a mobile community. You then station defibrillator-equipped drones on top of tall buildings across the city, linked by sensors. When someone needs help, they, or someone nearby, sends a request. The nearest first-aider accepts the task, and rushes to the site, and the unmanned vehicle sweeps from the sky, delivering the kit where it’s needed.”

Huzzah! Our motorized, medical marvel has got you on the mend. What could be better? Well, what if the accident had never happened? Remember scenario #3? 

Let’s go back to Mount Hypothetical and our amazing bike ride. Your adrenalin is peaking, literally, at the top of the world. As you cross the endless array of switchback trails, you meet another cyclist and…you DO NOT collide. Why not? Because the Cyclodrone quadcopter has already warned the other cyclist of your presence by flying ahead with a beacon of warning lights.

Crisis averted. 

The concept, developed by Cormac Eubanks of frog design, is actually doable using current technology — although Eubanks says the greatest hurdle is sustaining battery life over a long ride. However, his design team is working on a way to develop a charger powered by the bicycle’s rear sprocket. 

Oh yeah, and if you do happen to get a painful bump or bruise, you can count on pharmacy-delivery UAVs such as QuiQui or Matternet to ease your suffering.

The moral of our story? No matter what kind of amazing safety/medical technology may emerge in the drone sector, always wear a helmet.