Tag: #IAA

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.”

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 Drone Innovation Partnership will shape the future of urban air mobility

A two-year in-depth study to help prepare Dublin and other European cities for the widespread use of drones in commercial and civic life has been launched today at the offices of Dublin City Council, by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, James Lawless T.D.

The project is led by a research team from Lero, the Research Ireland Centre for Software and Maynooth University, in collaboration with Dublin City Council (DCC), and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).

Speaking at the launch, Minister Lawless said: “Ireland has an established record of leadership in regulation of emerging technologies. As drones begin to be used more and more across the globe, at home we have seen them supplying emergency medicines, delivering fast food, used for search and rescue purposes and to enhance public safety among a range of important applications. Earlier this year, the Government held a public consultation on the development of a policy framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones. The research partnership being launched today, between Lero, Maynooth University, Dublin City Council and the Irish Aviation Authority, with stakeholder engagement at its heart, is very much aligned with Government’s efforts to foster the industry’s growth while mitigating safety, security, environmental, privacy, and other concerns.”

Welcoming the announcement, Dr Ciarán Seoighe, Deputy CEO of Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, the newly established research and innovation funding agency, said: “Research Ireland supports partnerships such as this to bring key stakeholders together, to drive progress and capitalise on the advantages offered by innovative and disruptive technologies. While exploring emerging technologies and systems to capture data and support responses to critical events, this collaborative approach helps us to better understand its potential benefits and impact on wider society. Investing in basic research is of strategic importance to Research Ireland, as it allows us to support a pipeline of transformative solutions to bring about real-world benefits.”

Project Coordinator Professor Tim McCarthy of Maynooth University and LERO believes the project is particularly timely as unmanned drone ecosystems are beginning to emerge globally and involve a wide variety of stakeholders and end-users.

A vital aspect of the research project, according to Prof. McCarthy, will be the creation of a digital twin for Dublin City to explore and simulate urban drone flight ecosystems, allowing researchers to address issues that emerge in a safe and controlled environment.

“This digital twin will capture inputs from all stakeholders, enable simulation of drone activities and provide prototype digital optimisation services in addressing various business, market, safety, privacy, nuisance and environmental concerns,” he added.

The partnership will also deliver a number of ‘state of the art’ drone applications to show the benefits of autonomous and remote piloting of drones to support life-saving and emergency response applications in a Dublin City setting.

“This unique drone innovation partnership will contribute to Dublin City Council’s Drone and Urban Air Mobility Strategy 2024-2029, an ambitious roadmap to support the integration of drones into city services and position Dublin and Ireland as a European leader in Drones and Urban Air Mobility,” said Jamie Cudden, Smart City Lead Dublin City Council.

Enda Walsh, manager of the IAA’s UAS division, believes the partnership will deliver crucial insights for safely integrating UAS into urban environments while maximising benefits to society, and laying the foundation for developing UAS Traffic Management (UTM) for the State.

“The Drone Innovation Partnership project will look at stakeholder concerns and provide crucial information and analysis of the key aspects around security, environment, and privacy for UAS integration into urban environments. It will also support the future establishment of a comprehensive and effective UTM infrastructure for the State, which provides a safe environment for all air traffic while facilitating a growing UAS industry.”

 

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

EVs can have smaller batteries with the same range through software says WAE Technologies

WAE Elysia, the pioneering new Battery Intelligence offering from WAE Technologies (WAE), will be exhibiting its software only solution at IAA Mobility in Munich from 4th – 10th September, 2023. In a top-tier, global electric motorsport series, Elysia Battery Intelligence software has proven a reduction in battery mass of up to 19%, without impacting range.

Elysia’s suite of Battery Intelligence technologies draw on WAE’s unrivalled experience in high-performance batteries, gleaned from the sole supply of batteries to
ground-breaking electric motorsport series, as well as the design and development of batteries for road cars, electric hypercars and 250 tonne mining trucks.

Its suite of algorithms can safely unlock extra performance from an electric vehicle battery, bringing a host of benefits for plug-in car makers, which in turn can be passed on to consumers.

Elysia Commercial Lead Joe Jones explains: “Every OEM wants to reduce cost and improve performance across a range of metrics.  We are now seeing questions being asked of the EV industry from consumers becoming more aware of the impact of the weight of heavier electric vehicles and the resources required to produce batteries.”

“By using software alone to enable a reduction in the number of cells required, an OEM can deliver consumers the same performance with less cost, lower environmental impact and reduced weight. We can see that efficiency of energy use is becoming something that is becoming more important in the EV market and Elysia Battery Intelligence can help OEMs get more from less.”

One of the key areas the software solution excels is being able to unlock the batteries ability to accept more of the energy recovered by regenerative braking, and by extending the useable state of charge windows, thanks to accurate, health-adaptive state estimation algorithms. By focussing on the efficiencies that can be gained through managing the battery in a highly optimised manner, the result is reduced battery size and ultimately, cost, whilst still maintaining attributes consumers value.

  • Solution on display at IAA Mobility 2023 – Munich – 10A / Hall B1
  • elysia.co

Nokia and Irish Aviation Authority deploy next-generation air traffic control network for the North Atlantic #Nokia #Aviation #IAA

Nokia has today announced successful deployment of the Irish Aviation Authority’s (IAA) next-generation air traffic control network at its new West Ireland disaster recovery center. As part of the deal, Nokia supplied its IP/MPLS networking products, which have been specifically designed for this level of mission-critical application.

 

The new, high-bandwidth IP/MPLS network will increase capacity and ensure smooth operation of new, more demanding air traffic control (ATC) applications. It will also provide support for legacy, non-IP applications, including end-to-end communications between radar stations. The IAA also benefited from Nokia’s professional services offering for network design, architecture, integration and deployment. Following successful deployment of the network, Nokia will continue to provide IAA with long-term support and maintenance services.

The network was deployed in early 2019 and is currently in service. It has successfully carried out a number of live trials across multiple airspace sectors in the key North Atlantic region, delivering critical voice and radar services to controllers over the new Nokia IP/MPLS platform.

The successful deployment of the network precedes the expected doubling of global air traffic by 2030. The North Atlantic airspace is one of the most crowded airspaces in the world and the IAA will need more capacity as traffic grows. Modern ATC management applications can scale to meet the demand but require a different kind of network connectivity based on IP, such as Nokia’s IP/MPLS.

 

Nokia has a long history building mission-critical networks for critical infrastructure such as air traffic control. Its IP/MPLS networking products are designed from the start to support legacy applications, as well as the latest capabilities for high-availability, mission-critical connectivity.

 

The Nokia-IAA deal is critical to the IAA’s roadmap to seamlessly migrate critical services to a fully operational next-gen network. The IAA plans to continue its work with Nokia, from design to deployment and into the future.

 

Billy Hann, Director of ATM Operations and Strategy for the IAA, said: “Given our responsibility to ensure the smooth operation of the North Atlantic airspace, it has been crucial that Nokia earn our trust. The quality and reliability of its technology and the thoroughness and collaborative approach of its teams has been first class throughout the entire migration process. We are very pleased and confident in the performance of the new network.”

 

Jochen Apel, Head of Global Transportation, Nokia, said: “From the initial proof-of-concept through to the final deployment and launch of the new network, we have been impressed and pleased to work closely with the IAA on this highly-critical application. Working side-by-side with its team, we ensured that the new IP/MPLS network seamlessly migrated all of its legacy applications and supported the new applications with the highest standards of reliability.”

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Nokia has deployed over 1,300 mission-critical networks with leading customers in the transport, energy, large enterprise, manufacturing, webscale and public sector segments around the globe. Leading enterprises across industries are leveraging our decades of experience building some of the biggest and most advanced IP, optical, and wireless networks on the planet. The Nokia Bell Labs Future X for industries architecture provides a framework for enterprises to accelerate their digitalization and automation journey to Industry 4.0. Nokia has also pioneered the private wireless space with many verticals, and now has over 130 large enterprise customers deploying it around the world.