It's an exciting time for the drone industry. Several companies are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Hardware is becoming ever more sophisticated, reducing weight, improving flight times and bringing down prices. Last month DJI launched the Mavic Mini, a tiny 249-gram drone with a range of 4km that can shoot 2.7K video and fly for 30 minutes on a single … [Read more...] about Ethics in the Drone Industry & AI’s Slippery Slope
weaponized drones
FAA Reiterates That Weaponized Drones Are a Bad Idea
Back in July, we reported that Ohio-based flamethrower company Throwflame had launched a flamethrower designed to be attached to commercial drones. The TF-19 Wasp can shoot fire 25ft and, with its 1-gallon fuel capacity, offers 100 seconds of fire between gas refills. That's right: 100 seconds of fire from above. At the time we discussed whether a drone flamethrower was such … [Read more...] about FAA Reiterates That Weaponized Drones Are a Bad Idea
Could Police Drones Help Stop Mass Violence?
Following the nation’s deadliest mass shooting in Las Vegas this week, some experts are wondering out loud: “Could drones make large events safer and even stop potential violence?” Brian Levin, a criminal justice professor and director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino, says…probably. "You could have a drone up in two minutes in … [Read more...] about Could Police Drones Help Stop Mass Violence?
Connecticut Decides Against “Weaponized” Drones for Law Enforcement
Connecticut's Public Safety and Security Committee decided to take no action on proposed bill HB- 7260, which would have allowed law enforcement to use weaponized drones. The bill was originally designed as a response to a Connecticut teen's YouTube videos showing drones that he equipped with a flamethrower and a handgun. (The teen and his father are currently in court with … [Read more...] about Connecticut Decides Against “Weaponized” Drones for Law Enforcement
The Problem With Banning “Weaponized” Drones
Connecticut may be the first state to ban so-called "weaponized" drones; but the plan also calls for an exemption for law enforcement. While it's the exemption that civil rights advocates are most concerned with, the ban is also cause for concern in the drone industry. Lawmakers in the state first became concerned about weaponized drones after a CT teen posted a YouTube … [Read more...] about The Problem With Banning “Weaponized” Drones
