Investing in Drones Paying Off

Resolute Source's PhantomOptic Operated Using a Smart Phone

Drones are often associated with strikes against terrorists in remote caves in Afghanistan and Pakistan.  It may sound ridiculous that a machine once used exclusively for war would someday be common place but that is exactly what’s happening. Over time, drones and their practical uses have been evolving and there are some far reaching applications for use in agriculture, journalism, industry, and in many other facets of daily life.

Resolute Source, a security consulting firm,  has been experimenting with drone technology for the past two years. "We became interested in drones for purposes of security but quickly found that they were versatile machines," said Vincent Grey, CEO Resolute Source. "We found drones to be in high demand and that led us to the development of PhontomOptic."  

PhatonOptic is lightweight drone that has interchangeable cameras that include high resolution HD cameras, infrared heat signature technology, and nigh vision cameras. It also includes improved gyroscope engineering that increases camera stability. Video feeds can be transmitted to multiple man-packed portable devices as well as to multiple fixed sites. Features like these make PhontomOptic ideal for security purposes. Additionally, it has twice the flight time as other unmanned aerial vehicles in its class, relies on battery power and can be fitted with solar panels for daytime charging.  Its design focused on platform stability, to make it easier to control and maneuver in and around corners and in tight spaces.  Its built-in software protects it against electronic interference and offers wireless security that identifies, authenticates, and authorizes access to control the system. Resolute Source’s micro drone is a standalone system but it can be easily integrated into any company’s surveillance infrastructure.

Resolute Source is not alone. The following are just a handful of other drones developments:

Shipping Drones

Shipping Concept Sketch

Amazon and DHL have already developed drone prototypes and are experimenting with how to use them to improve shipping.  Drones are being outfitted to carry 5lbs boxes, 86% of home deliveries are 5lbs or less, and can travel between 35-55 mph and cover a distance of 30 miles. Amazon and DHL are already petitioning the FAA to allow initial testing of their drone delivery systems.  

Journalism Drones

Raphael Pirker, a photographer, was fined $10,000 by the FFA for flying a drone over UVA to make a commercial. In his defense at least a dozen media organizations are challenging the government’s ban on the use of drones by journalists, arguing that the FAA’s position violates the First Amendment’s protection for news gathering.  News organizations are intensely interested in the use of light-weight drones that can be backpacked to a site to take photos and video to help cover news stories.

Agriculture Drones

Drones are already being used to monitor crops and vegetation indexes. Drones with the use of special infrared and high resolution cameras are able to measure green growth and provide indications that a section of a crop may need additional fertilizer, chemicals, or water. According to Charles Malveaux, research associate at LSU, using drones to apply chemicals and fertilizers will reduce costs and runoff. The efficiency and precision that drones offer will likely increase the farming industry’s profits in years to come.

These examples only scratch the surface of what is possible with drones. Drones of all shapes and sizes are being developed for a myriad of purposes. Some will be used to improve security and emergency response while others will be used to survey industrial work sites and oil pipelines on and off shore. Their potential is endless.

We are very interested in your story about the use and development of drones. Leave a comment or contribute to our blog by contacting Luis N. Gaytan at luis.n.gaytan@resolutesource.com

Tagged: Amazon asks FAA, Solutions for Agriculture