University of Colorado looking to launch drone program for search and rescue
The new technology will enhance Boulder Emergency Squad’s search and rescue (SAR) ability
The Aerospace Engineering department at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is partnering with the Boulder Emergency Squad to evaluate the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled drones in SAR operations. The research allows rescuers to feed information to drones, which then helps teams to scout locations or find individuals.
“What we’re doing with this research is giving tools to rescuers to control drones to get that initial perspective and then allowing them to also do other things at the same time,” said Hunter Ray, a doctoral student at Ann and HJ Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences at CU Boulder.
With the project currently in its developmental phase, CU Boulder is providing tools so rescuers can control these drones. This will help them to gain a broader perspective on the area and to multi-task during rescue operations more easily.
Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR), in the US state of Montana, launched a new drone team at the start of this year 2024.
Chloe Fox
Chloe Fox is an Senior Editorial Assistant for Voyageur Group, joining in 2024. She writes for AirMed&Rescue and ITIJ, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision, and air medical transportation. Chloe holds a BA (Hons) in English and an MA in English Literature from the University of Bristol.