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Another development has been seen in the realm of unmanned autonomous first responders, when the Bee Cave Police Department in Austin is poised to employ autonomous drones in order to improve its emergency response capabilities. Partnering with local startup Eve Vehicles, the department aims to leverage these cutting-edge drones to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of first responders.
Bee Cave Police highlighted the potential of the AV8 drone system, stating that it will act as the “eyes and ears” for responders, whether they are on the scene or en route, according to Interesting Engineering. The drones will launch from their stations autonomously and will return to base for recharging or to be replaced by a new unit as needed. The drone is intended to be the first one on the scene in order to report real-time information to the police forces on the way. According to Eve Vehicles, the autonomous drones are designed to operate within their environment while collaborating with a team to deliver early intelligence. This capability will enable more effective resource allocation during emergencies.
The company states that three drones will be strategically deployed throughout Bee Cave. The nearest drone to a 911 call will get to the scene and respond, then return to its station for recharging. The drones have a flight endurance of over 40 minutes on a single charge and have reached speeds of up to 107 km/h when tested. Live video feed from the drone will be streamed to police, enabling real-time monitoring of incidents.
Deployment of the system is expected to occur in steps, with deployment for limited emergency calls as early as next week, and full deployment expected within one to two months, according to Fox News. The pilot program will feature three launch sites, including two local schools, allowing for enhanced response to possible school shooting incidents.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in integrating advanced technology into public safety operations, potentially setting a new standard for emergency response.
