Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE / Web Summit
(Source: cnet.com)
Hardware and software engineers drive innovation in today’s tech industry. But entrepreneur Jay Bregman plans to add regulatory engineers, too, for his new startup to help companies use drones without breaking the law.
Silicon Valley’s libertarian ethos bristles at regulatory constraints, but Bregman believes the privacy and safety concerns about drones mean they’re necessary. His as-yet-unnamed startup plans to bake those rules into drone control software so drone makers and operators can fly the robotic devices without fear.
Bregman, who only weeks ago left his job as chief executive of taxi-flagging startup Hailo, revealed the plans in an interview with CNET at the Web Summit conference in Dublin, Ireland.
“Unlike previous generations of computing technology, robots have a very special capability where they can move in space. They can bump into each other or into people. They can take pictures where they shouldn’t,” Bregman said. “The only way to regulate this is through an independent third-party company that produces compliance modules.”
Drones are a hot topic right now as services companies like SkyCatch, which offers 3D aerial scanning services for construction firms and industrial customers, join consumer drone makers like Parrot and DJI. These unmanned aircraft, typically maneuvered with four small rotors, can give people an eye in the sky. If Google, Amazon and startup Matternet get their way, burlier drones also will be used to deliver goods to our homes faster than delivery trucks.
Alan is serial entrepreneur, active angel investor, and a drone enthusiast. He co-founded DRONELIFE.com to address the emerging commercial market for drones and drone technology. Prior to DRONELIFE.com, Alan co-founded Where.com, ThinkingScreen Media, and Nurse.com. Recently, Alan has co-founded Crowditz.com, a leader in Equity Crowdfunding Data, Analytics, and Insights. Alan can be reached at alan(at)dronelife.com