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Aerial drones to help protect endangered species of rhino
Link: http://www.gizmag.com/airware-rhino-protecting-drones/30463/ (via shareaholic.com)
Endangered White Rhinos such as these could soon be getting some protection from an aerial drone (Photo: Shutterstock)
Aerial drones, whether they be dropping bombs, books or burritos,
have attracted a certain degree of controversy in recent times. While
the potential of the technology is plain to see, many aren’t convinced
that the benefits will outweigh the risks associated with unmanned
vehicles zipping about in the sky above. With its recent field testing
of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to protect an ailing rhino
population, Airware are determined to help the industry shed some of
these negative connotations.
Airware is a California-based company that specializes in the
development of autopilots for unmanned aircraft systems. It recently
teamed up with the Oj Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya to test a drone
equipped with Airware’s autopilot platform and control software that
will allow it to act as both a deterrent and surveillance tool. The
system uses fixed and gimbal-mounted cameras to deliver real-time
digital video and thermal images to rangers on the ground, enabling them
to deploy a security team in the event of an incident.