Category: Drones

River Liffey rescue exercise showcases how drones can support emergency services

A pioneering research and innovation exercise in Dublin has demonstrated how automated drone docking station technology, supported by artificial intelligence, can help first responders deliver faster and more effective search-and-rescue operations in busy urban environments.

The live demonstration, part of a national Drone Innovation Partnership led by Maynooth University in collaboration with Dublin City Council, the Irish Aviation Authority, and Dublin Fire Brigade, simulated a water emergency incident on the River Liffey.

The rescue will be featured in RTÉ One’s new series of Futureville Ireland, which will be broadcast next week to mark Science Week, which begins on Sunday, 9 November.

In the demonstration, Dublin Fire Brigade personnel responded to a report of a person entering the water. An automated drone launched from a remote docking station, autonomously navigated to the scene, and streamed high-resolution data and video to incident command teams. Artificial intelligence tools supported real-time assessment, helping responders rapidly locate the casualty and understand their condition.

By providing critical situational awareness within moments of an emergency call, the drone system enhances response coordination and decision-making — helping first responders make the right decisions faster where every second counts.

Commenting on the exercise, Teresa Hudson, Station Officer, Organisational Intelligence Unit, Dublin Fire Brigade, said: “Drone dockstation technology, properly deployed and operated, will ensure our fire-fighting and rescue teams can respond more efficiently to emergency incidents where time is always critical.”

The Drone Innovation Partnership project, which is led by Maynooth University, in close collaboration with Dublin City Council and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is funded through Research Ireland’s LERO Research Centre (Grant 13/RC/2094_P2).

It examines innovative drone technologies, operations, and public-sector applications, building on previous drone traffic management research at Maynooth University as well as Dublin City Council’s Smart City and Drone Strategy initiatives.

Speaking about the research, Principal Investigator Professor Tim McCarthy of Maynooth University, said: “These real-world search-and-rescue exercises allow us to understand both the capabilities and limitations of automated drone networks. This helps us scale AI-enabled emergency response in a structured, responsible, and effective way for the benefit of wider society.”

Enda Walsh, Manager of the UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Division at the IAA, said: “This exercise, leveraging both automated UAS and AI, demonstrates how the safe and pragmatic application of these technologies can have significant and positive societal impact. The Drone Innovation Partnership continues to investigate how UAS Ecosystems comprising Drone Regulatory, Technology, Operations, Services and Applications can be rolled out across cities and busy urban environments in a fair, accessible and transparent fashion.”

Deliveroo launches drone deliveries in Dublin

Deliveroo, the on-demand delivery platform, has today launched drone deliveries in Dublin, Ireland.  Through a new partnership with Manna, an established global drone delivery operator, the service is designed to support Deliveroo’s continuous mission to improve the customer experience.
The innovative service is based in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, with Deliveroo conducting a test phase over the coming weeks. Deliveroo will use the initial weeks to assess how drones can help serve suburban and harder to reach locations, with the ultimate aim of unlocking new customers through super-fast deliveries, complementing its extensive rider network.
Over the coming days, customers in a 3km radius of Blanchardstown will be able to order from leading local restaurants including Musashi, WOWBurger, Boojum and Elephant & Castle – flown to customers in as little as three minutes*. Deliveroo is aiming to expand the service to more restaurants and launch grocery and retail deliveries within the next six months.
In new imagery and a video released by Deliveroo today, a teal drone is seen making one of the first deliveries to a customer, with sushi from Musashi in tow. Whether it’s sushi for lunch, a Friday treat or a family gathering, the ambition is for Deliveroo’s drones to ensure orders arrive at peak freshness.
By bypassing road traffic, drone deliveries can significantly cut wait times and reduce emissions, offering a faster and more sustainable alternative to traditional delivery methods, particularly suited to suburban locations where Deliveroo is looking to increase its presence. The objective is also for Deliveroo drone deliveries to support participating merchants in growing their sales by appealing to and reaching new customers, complementing Deliveroo’s existing delivery network.
Drones will be deployed from Manna’s local delivery hub, flying at speeds of up to 80 km/h with a flight time of as little as three minutes. Upon arrival, the drone hovers and gently lowers the food to the ground via a secure, biodegradable tether, ensuring a seamless and contact-free delivery experience.
Deliveroo is excited by the prospect of expanding the service to its other markets, subject to the benefits to consumer experience, following the launch in Ireland, alongside regulatory evolution in other markets. The company welcomes the UK Government’s £20 million investment to advance commercial drone operations and bring this technology closer to reality for UK consumers.
Carlo Mocci, Chief Business Officer at Deliveroo said: “Our mission is to bring local neighbourhood favourites to as many people’s doors as possible, and constantly raise the bar on the experience and service we provide – so I’m thrilled to launch drone deliveries in Dublin today. 
“We’re excited to explore how drones can help us reach new customers, complementing our existing rider model and if successful, the prospect of expanding drone deliveries across Ireland and into other markets.”
Bobby Healy, CEO and Founder of Manna Air Delivery said: “Air delivery is fast, clean, and safe, offering a new avenue for local businesses to reach more consumers. Manna Air Delivery is proud to partner with Deliveroo, a platform trusted by top local restaurants and eateries, to bring this innovative delivery experience to customers.”
Bill Lang, owner of Musashi said: “We have been serving up authentic sushi for years but never thought we’d see it in the sky, delivered to peoples’ doorsteps by drone. Musashi is delighted to extend our partnership with Deliveroo to drone deliveries, helping us to reach even more customers in the Blanchardstown area.”
Manna, which has already completed over 170,000 delivery flights in Dublin 15 and holds full regulatory approvals, will operate the drones. Each drone is equipped with advanced safety features, including backup systems and a parachute, and is continuously monitored by a dedicated dispatcher throughout its flight.
Eligible customers within the correct radius will need to validate their address via the app before it confirms a suitable pin location for a safe drop off, typically a driveway, front or back garden. Once an order is placed, they will be able to track the delivery as usual and will be notified when the drone is nearby so they can receive the order.

Nokia and Motorola Solutions announce drone technology integration for public safety and mission-critical industries

Nokia and Motorola Solutions announced a drone technology integration to launch an AI-enhanced turnkey, automated drone-in-a-box solution that sets a new standard for first responders and mission-critical industries, offering enhanced situational awareness, streamlined remote operations, and faster decision-making.

The solution integrates Nokia Drone Networks with Motorola Solutions’ CAPE drone software to help transform public safety and industrial operations, enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Dispatching drones ahead of first responders enables early assessment of a situation’s severity, helping to support efficient resource allocation. The new solution enables public safety and mission-critical industries to remotely dispatch drones from one or multiple operation centers at a moment’s notice to assess emergencies and hazards while also receiving AI-powered intelligence that can inform and accelerate decisions to help keep workers, property, and premises safer.

CAPE software’s flight-safe features adjust the drone’s path to avoid obstacles, stay within a geofenced area, and adapt to changing terrain altitude, with assistive AI helping operators analyze real-time data. Nokia’s drone-in-a-box technology connects via 4G/LTE or 5G networks for broader reach and seamless remote operation beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs have demonstrated an increase in first responder safety by providing tactical intelligence, enabling better coordination, oversight and transparency in operations. For critical infrastructure industries like oil and gas, ports, utilities, mining, energy and manufacturing, the technology’s BVLOS and remote operation capabilities help to enhance industrial worker safety and lower the costs of operating hard-to-reach sites like offshore wind farms. Multiple drone-in-a-box systems can serve as a sustainable alternative to helicopters, significantly reducing carbon emissions.

Roxana Kennedy, Chief of Police at Chula Vista Police Department in California, stated: “In 2018, we created and developed the world’s first public safety Drone as First Responder program in partnership with Motorola Solutions, utilizing their CAPE drone software. Since then, we’ve successfully flown over 21,000 missions. Our DFR program has been instrumental in critical life-and-death situations by providing aerial awareness or helping officers de-escalate incidents by delivering real-time, vital information.”

Jehan Wickramasuriya, corporate vice president of AI and Intelligence Platforms at Motorola Solutions said: “We’re innovating where our customers need us most to bring them better intelligence for faster decisions. This drone-in-a-box solution furthers our commitment to drone innovation that seamlessly fits within our customers’ current workflows to give those charged with our safety actionable live-stream insights while simplifying evidence collection.”

Stephan Litjens, Vice President of CNS Enterprise Campus Edge Solutions at Nokia, said: “We are proud to collaborate with an innovator like Motorola Solutions in this significant step toward a more mature and sustainable drone industry for the benefit of our customers, workers, and community. Together, we are setting technology best practices in drone connectivity and AI. With an open API architecture that facilitates easy integration with third-party applications, and other solutions like Nokia’s MX Grid, Nokia Drones-in-a-Box and Motorola Solutions’ CAPE software, we are transforming drones into daily helpers for public safety and mission-critical operations.”

Nokia Drone Networks are compliant with international industry standards and offer long-lasting technology with upgradable components that reduce electronic waste.

Drone Safely This Christmas

The Irish Aviation Authority, today launched the ‘Drone Safely This Christmas’ Campaign, supported by Drone Innovation Partnership and Dublin City Council. If you’re thinking of getting a drone this Christmas, you need to make sure you register as an Operator on the IAA website and that you know the rules before you fly. This advice comes ahead of the busiest shopping days in the lead up to Christmas.
Drone use is on the rise and the number of drones and operators registered in Ireland has risen exponentially over past number of years. Safety is paramount, and so since 2021, the IAA has registered over 8,000 drone operators and trained over 21,500 drone pilots. This year has seen a 24% increase in the number of pilots trained.
Consumers who own a drone that is over 250gr or has a camera, are legally required to register as a drone operator. If you are a drone operator, drone safety is your responsibility. You need to ensure you are always in control of the drone and that you remain compliant with the law.
Jim Gavin, Chief Operations Officer of the Irish Aviation Authority commenting on drone safety said: 
“Drone use has increased significantly in recent years. Piloting a drone is fun but it comes with responsibility to fly it safely while respecting people’s privacy. Remember a drone is not a toy and can have very serious consequences if it collides with a person, an animal or another aircraft. So, if you do get a drone this Christmas, remember it’s your responsibility to know the rules and fly it safely.”
Veronica Mariti Sesoko, Drone Innovation Partnership (DIP) Engagement Lead added:
“As drones top Christmas wish lists, it’s crucial to remember they are not toys. Fly responsibly by checking current regulations and following safe practices. The Drone Innovation Partnership (DIP), a collaboration between the Irish Aviation Authority, Dublin City Council, and Maynooth University, is working to ensure drones enhance public services and support emergency responses while keeping our skies safe through active stakeholder engagement, including citizens.”
 
“Thankfully the vast majority of drone users are compliant with the regulations. However, we are concerned, with the rapid growth of drone usage, that not all new pilots may be aware of their responsibilities which can lead to unsafe flying. If you see anyone not complying with the regulations, we encourage people to contact the IAA. Reckless use of a drone or inappropriate use of a drone camera may result in prosecution,” Enda Walsh, UAS Manager/Drones Manager from the Irish Aviation Authority added. 
           
For more information on IAA Drone Safety Regulations and registration process, visit www.iaa.ie/drones Stay updated by searching the following @IAApress or #DroneSafely. 
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Dublin City Council launches first ever Drone Strategy

Dublin City Council is delighted to announce that it has today launched its first Drone and Urban Air Mobility Strategy 2024-2029 for the city.

This ambitious and forward-thinking Strategy aims to transform how the city utilises drone technology to enhance public services while understanding their future potential.  Increasingly drones are being applied across a range of city services helping to increase service efficiencies, reduce costs and streamline operations. Areas where drones are being applied within the Council include mapping, dangerous buildings inspections or emergency response.   They are also being used to access to hard-to-reach areas for surveys and environmental monitoring, providing better oversight and management of urban spaces.

Eileen Quinlivan, Assistant Chief Executive and Chair of the DCC Drones High Level Steering Group of Dublin City Council, speaking from the launch at the DCC innovation hub in the CHQ building said:

“This strategy marks a significant milestone for Dublin City Council. By embracing drone technology, we are not only enhancing our service delivery but also paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable city. Drones will revolutionise how we approach various tasks, from emergency response and infrastructure inspections to environmental monitoring and urban planning. The benefits for our staff and citizens are immense, and we are committed to ensuring that Dublin remains at the forefront of this urban innovation.”

A new dedicated Drone Unit is being established in the Council to centralise drone operations and support internal departments to accelerate the adoption of the technology. This unit will build on existing capabilities and resources and maximise efficiencies across the Council. The unit will also play a role in supporting innovation in the drone industry by helping develop new services that benefit citizens and communities as the commercial sector grows.

Jim Gavin, Chief Operations Officer in the Irish Aviation Authority, express his support of the Strategy:

“The Irish Aviation Authority is very supportive of public sector bodies developing drone strategies. We are delighted to support this initiative by Dublin City Council to develop their drone strategy where they will drive innovation and development in the drone sector.

By harnessing the potential of drones, Dublin City Council is taking proactive steps to enhance public safety, improve efficiency, and foster economic growth. We believe that this initiative will pave the way for advancements in urban air mobility, benefiting both the public and the broader aviation industry.”

The development of the Drone and Urban Air Mobility Strategy for Dublin City Council has been led through the Smart City programme which supports the council in future-proofing how new and emerging technologies are applied. By fostering a vibrant drone technology ecosystem, Dublin has the potential to attract new businesses and drive economic growth, positioning itself as a leader in this emerging sector.

Julie Garland, Founder and CEO of Avtrain, who provided expertise and guidance on the Strategy emphasised the transformative potential of drones:

“Drones are revolutionising how we think about urban mobility and public service delivery. Dublin’s strategy is a step towards a future where drone technology can improve our daily lives, enhance safety, and contribute to a more sustainable environment. By integrating drones into various city services, cities can streamline operations, reduce response times in emergencies, and provide more efficient monitoring of infrastructure and environmental conditions.”

Philip Butterworth-Hayes, principal consultant of PMI Media Limited, who advised DCC on the Strategy provided an international perspective:

“Dublin’s approach to integrating drone technology into city services sets a new benchmark globally. The strategy’s focus on safety, efficiency, and public engagement is exemplary and will undoubtedly inspire other cities to follow suit. The efficiency gains from using drones for tasks such as infrastructure inspections, environmental monitoring, and emergency response are significant, leading to cost savings and more effective service delivery. The strategy’s commitment to public engagement means that the community is actively involved and informed, fostering trust and collaboration.”

This strategy has been developed through extensive consultation with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that it aligns with Dublin’s unique needs and leverages the latest advancements in drone technology. The strategy also supports compliance with evolving European Union regulations and emphasizes public trust, safety, and privacy.

For more information and to discover the benefits of the Dublin City Council Drone and Urban Air Mobility Strategy 2024-2029, please visit: https://smartdublin.ie/dublin-city-drone-strategy  and see Drones

Drone sector hamstrung as regulators challenged with fast-evolving technology

Cyber security leader ANGOKA says that airspace regulators around the world face difficulties in keeping up with the rapidly changing pace of the drone industry.

Chief Technology Officer for ANGOKA and drone industry expert Shadi Razak says the development of safe air corridors and drone ports for use by emergency services and delivery firms has been accelerated by the latest developments in artificial intelligence, video and communications technologies.

“But regulators must work closer with drone technology providers to ensure frameworks are in place for the safe delivery of drone projects,” he says.

“We are currently in a Catch-22 situation. Such is the speed at which the sector is evolving, it is difficult to establish sound and future-proof regulations,” commented Mr Razak. “Yet without proper and effective regulation, our industry risks missing out on the tremendous benefits promised by drones.”

“We need policymakers to better understand the emerging risks for drone operation and their preventative solutions to those risks like cybersecurity to better understand the needs for safe and secure drone operations. Some of these solutions, like ANGOKA, are leading the field and guaranteeing the safe and accurate passage of drones to the last few centimetres of their journey by safeguarding the drone’s communication and identification throughout it journey”, says Mr Razak.

This was a key theme of the second UK & Ireland Drone Summit organised and sponsored by ANGOKA and supported by the UK Royal Air Force, Invest Northern Ireland and KPMG.

Whilst the summit highlighted that the industry is everchanging at a rapid pace, the speakers agreed on the need of the regulators to keep up with the pace in providing up-to-date guidance and policies to ensure the safety and cyber resilience of drone operations.

The conference heard from Julie Garland, CEO of Avtrain, an IAA Recognised Entity providing EASA Open & Specific Category Drone Pilot Training and Consultancy for Specific Category Operator Manuals and Risk Management Documentation for STS Declarations, PDRAs and SORA.

“We’re constantly working to keep the skies safe through the highest standards of training and certification and we need the support from regulators. We’re seeing wider adoption of varied drone use across different industries, particularly with the on-demand nature of our society now which plays into the desirability and acceptance of drones. But with societal acceptance comes regulator acceptance, and regulators need to work with drone operators and providers to ensure that relevant approvals in place so that we can serve societies in a timely and economic way.”

Both ANGOKA and Avtrain will be attending at The National Drone Summit and The Mobility Now Summit in RDS, Dublin between 1-2nd March.

Drone Summit shines light on Northern Ireland’s thriving cybersecurity industry

The UK and Ireland second Drone Summit has highlighted the great potential of drones in the economic growth of the UK and Ireland. 

The summit, organised and sponsored by ANGOKA, supported by the UK Royal Air Force, Invest Northern Ireland and KPMG, who hosted the summit at their Belfast offices, gathered industry leaders from across the UK and Ireland including senior representatives from the British Civil Aviation, the UK Research and Innovation (InnovateUK), AWS, Manna, Skyport, Spright, Avtrain and others discussing the rapid advances being made in the sector. 

The conference explored the economic benefits in the adoption of drone advancements, the role of rapid technology evolution in advancing drone capabilities and making its benefits a reality, the great and complex cybersecurity risks such advancement in technology brings to the drone industry as well as the regulatory and societal challenges the sector faces. 

Shadi Razak, chief technology officer at ANGOKA, says: “Drones are allowing us to achieve more than ever before and continue to provide opportunities to businesses and the local economy. Whilst use of drones is important, the risks of cyber is real, both commercially and physically.  

“The conference allowed us to discuss the benefits of wider adoption of drone usage, and how as an industry we can continue to make advancements. Northern Ireland in particular has really great opportunities for drone development with its thriving technological scene, as well as its links to the UK, Ireland and Europe.  

“We heard of instances of drones being used in vital services, such as the delivery of medication, which is not only of huge benefit to local communities, but also in economic growth. 

“However, as comes with this industry that is moving at a rapid pace, we must be mindful of the risk of cyber. There’s always a worry and a risk of drones being used recklessly or for malicious purposes, especially because it’s a relatively new technology in a new industry, and as we know, technology is always way ahead of regulations and frameworks that will govern and guide.” 

ANGOKA is in the business to ensure the safety and resilience of next-generation air mobility by safeguarding the identification and communication of drone flight and operation in free space or air corridors.  

Throughout the summit, the team at ANGOKA demonstrated to the audience that cybersecurity works both ways in the drone industry. Preventing hostile and unwanted drone activity on the one hand and protecting drones from interference by hackers and other unauthorised sources. The team demonstrated the takeover of a commercial drone, spoofing its video stream and bringing it to fall from the sky. 

Mr Razak concludes: “Drones will have a huge impact on us as a society, even for our own safety, and whilst use of drones is important, but the risks of cyber is real, both commercially and physically. It’s events like this that are so important to bring together thought leaders and innovators to discuss the benefits, and also the downfalls, that come with UAVs, and how as an industry we can work together to ensure both physical and digital security.” 

Drones – Register as an Operator, get Trained and Know the Rules Before You Fly, Cautions Aviation Authority

The Irish Aviation Authority, An Garda Síochána and Dublin City Council today launched the ‘Drone Safely This Christmas’ Campaign. If you’re thinking of getting a drone this Christmas, you need to make sure you register as an Operator on the IAA website and that you know the rules before you fly. This advice comes ahead of the busiest shopping days in the lead up to Christmas.

Jim Gavin, Chief Operations Officer of the Irish Aviation Authority commenting on drone safety said: 

“Drone use has increased significantly in recent years. Piloting a drone is fun but it comes with responsibility to fly it safely while respecting people’s privacy. Remember a drone is not a toy and can have very serious consequences if it collides with a person, an animal or an another aircraft. So, if you do get a drone this Christmas, remember it’s your responsibility to know the rules and fly it safely.”

Inspector John Egan, Garda Air Support Unit added:

“Breaches of EU Drone Regulations are enforced by the Irish Aviation Authority. An Garda Siochana also has a number of enforcement powers where a criminal offence has occurred, or is suspected to have occurred, with regard to the flying of Drones. Drones are not permitted to fly within five (5) kilometres of an airport.

Flying a Drone in this area creates a substantial risk to manned aviation. This risk may constitute a serious offence by way of Endangerment under Section 13 of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997. This offence carries a maximum penalty of seven (7) years in prison.

It is also an offence under Section 43 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1988 to cause a false alarm which interferes with the operation of an aircraft, aerodrome or air navigation installation. Flying a Drone within five (5) kilometres of an airport may cause such alarm and you will be guilty of an offence.

An Garda Siochana also has a power to seize a Drone where a member of an Garda Siochana reasonably suspects the Drone is being, or is intended to be operated in the commission of any offence.”

The Irish Aviation Authority became one of the first aviation regulators in the world to introduce mandatory drone registration and regulations in December 2015. Consumers who own a drone that is over 250gr or has a camera, are legally required to register as a drone operator. If you are a drone operator, drone safety is your responsibility. You need to ensure you are always in control of the drone and that you remain compliant with the law.

“Thankfully the vast majority of drone users are compliant with the regulations. However, we are concerned, with the rapid growth of drone usage, that not all new pilots may be away of their responsibilities which can lead to unsafe flying. If you see anyone not complying with the regulations, we encourage people to contact the IAA. Reckless use of a drone or inappropriate use of a drone camera may result in prosecution,” Enda Walsh, UAS Manager/Drones Champion from the Irish Aviation Authority added. 

            

For more information on IAA Drone Safety Regulations and registration process, visit www.iaa.ie/drones

ANGOKA’s Drone Summit returns for a second year

Belfast based cybersecurity firm ANGOKA is to host its second UK & Ireland Drone Summit sponsored by KPMG and the Royal Air Force.

The summit will bring speakers from across Europe to discuss the evolution and revolution of drones, and the important role that cybersecurity plays in the accuracy and security of the communications between devices.

The conference, which will take place on November 20th in KPMG’s Belfast offices, will include a live security demonstration which will see a live hacking attempt to illustrate this landscape and how ANGOKA can mitigate for all eventualities using its secure communication technology.

Between keynote speakers and panel discussions, the summit will explore the cyber challenge for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), technology drivers behind UAV advancements and the regulatory and social challenge for UAVs.

Highlighting the importance of events like this Shadi Razak, Chief Technology Officer at ANGOKA says: “We’re delighted that the UK & Ireland Drone Summit is returning. With the success of last year’s event, we saw the benefits to the industry in bringing great minds together to discuss how we can transform the regulatory, governance, security and safety challenges to opportunities that harness the good and mitigate the negative impact and foreseen risk of UAV technologies.

“Drones are allowing us to achieve more than ever before and continue to provide opportunities to businesses and the economy. Whilst use of drones is important, the risks of cyber is real, both commercially and physically.

“The conference is bringing together thought leaders and innovators to discuss the benefits, and also the downfalls, that come with UAVs, and how as an industry we can work together to ensure both physical and digital security.”

ANGOKA has a proven record of creating impenetrable security systems to protect driverless road vehicles and UAVs. The Belfast firm has partnered with a number of projects in the UK Research and Innovation’s Future Flight Challenge including Skyway in which air traffic corridors in the south of England have been designated for drones and unmanned aircraft. ANGOKA also supplies the hacker-proof security for automated, teleoperated and unmanned aircraft using these corridors.

Speakers participating in ANGOKA’s UK & Ireland Drone Summit include KPMG’s Chair, Global AAM and Future of Flight Community Chris Brown, Royal Airforce’s Air and Space Welfare Centre Commandant Air Commadore Blythe Crawford CBE, Innovate UK’s Future Flight Challenge Innovation Lead Vicki Murdie,  BT Group’s Director of Drones Dave Pankhurst, GSMA’s Senior Technical Director, Smart Mobility Lead Barbara Pareglio, and Civil Aviation Authority’s Emerging Policy Specialist for Future Safety and Innovation, Ed Fitzpatrick.

For more details and to register for the conference visit here.