Dutch Autonomous Drone Network
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Delft Aerial Robotics (DAR) announced in May that the company plans to execute an autonomous drone network in the Netherlands within the next year. DAR has strategically invested in start-ups that solve problems related to full autonomy for drones. Now, DAR has revealed its true objective: to deploy autonomous drone networks that are truly self-sufficient without human interaction.
Co-founder Lucas van Oostrum said: “The autonomous drone network will function similarly to satellites, in that they will provide an array of data for different users on a cost-effective and real-time basis.
DAR is a member of RoboValley, an initiative to coordinate robotics innovation between public, private, and academic entities.
According to the company’s website, DAR will begin by deploying drone docking stations throughout the Delft region that will support a network of autonomous drones, in the same way that cell towers provide coverage for our phones.
The docking stations will contain sensors that monitor the weather and flying conditions for drones before they begin flights, as well as drones’ diagnostics once they are in the air. They will be connected to the cloud through LTE, LORA, Satellite, or their own networks, and will be available for use by multiple users. All communication, from inspection data to operational data, will be secured and only available to the appropriate user.
The company expects that its projects will benefit end-users across industries, providing real-time insights on crop health, construction planning, water management, nature conservation, infrastructure management, and more. Moreover, utilizing drones as a service, without needing humans to monitor or maintain them, will prove to be incredibly efficient and cost-effective for end-users.
Delft has been chosen as the location of the first launch due to the support from the RoboValley ecosystem, its productive relationship with Dutch aviation authorities, the high level of innovation in the city of Delft, and its proximity to the Valkenburg test site.
The company’s announcement added that the autonomous drone network will be established as soon as possible, basing on DAR’s experience, investment in technology companies, and partnerships with other drone tech companies.
