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In a bid to enhance emergency response, Herotech8‘s Automated Docking Station (ADS) and Open Air Automated Drone Infrastructure (ADI) are revolutionising the way urban emergencies are managed.
By integrating ADS into the urban fabric, Herotech8 is spearheading a movement towards a more dynamic and immediate response system for emergency services, shifting the paradigm from ground-based operations to a more versatile, aerial approach.
The presence of ADS in cityscapes translates to a constantly prepared fleet of drones, which can be deployed instantaneously in response to emergencies. This system serves the police by providing rapid aerial surveillance capabilities, bypassing the delays typically caused by urban congestion. Fire and rescue services gain a vital advantage as well, with drones offering real-time situational analysis during conflagrations or search and rescue missions, leading to more informed and effective strategies on the ground.
Conventional drone operations, often hampered by the need for manual piloting and the setup times at specific locations, cannot match the promptness of the Open Air ADI. This autonomous system ensures that drones are not only dispatched swiftly but also operated with a degree of autonomy that enhances the effectiveness of emergency service responses.
Working with the Civil Aviation Authority
Collaborating closely with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on several Future Flight projects, Herotech8 is at the forefront of developing safe and regulated blueprints for autonomous drone operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). This is crucial for ensuring the safe and privacy-conscious integration of drones into emergency services.
The partnership with the CAA reinforces the importance of safety and operational standards in drone usage. The CAA’s regulatory oversight is vital for the effective and secure incorporation of drones into the emergency response framework.
Supporting partnership working in ICSs
Reflecting the ethos of Patricia Hewitt’s Report into the first year of the Integrated Care System, where she called for proactive emergency management, the Open Air ADI system embodies the shift from a reactive to a proactive stance in emergency response. Herotech8’s innovation is a testament to the power of technology in augmenting the capabilities of emergency responders.
As Integrated Care Systems (ICS) evolve towards a matured partnership model, Open Air’s development path parallels the importance of multi-sector collaboration. Linking the expertise of air mobility innovators with emergency service professionals and regulatory authorities is crucial to forming a cohesive emergency response framework for the future.
Drone First Responder pilot
Herotech8’s ADS and the Open Air ADI are not merely technological advancements; they represent the future of emergency responses in urban environments. They facilitate a synergistic approach, combining the agility of air mobility with the strategic capabilities of emergency services.
A new chapter in this advancement is the trial of Open Air as a Drone First Responder (DFR) blueprint by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and Norfolk Constabulary. This pilot programme aims to establish a standardised response protocol for drones in emergency scenarios.
“Crucially it is your eyes in the sky, so you’ll get significant benefit from the situational awareness that a drone will provide. The other element that the DFR provides is that really critical information to officers, not only police officers, but first responders to ensure that we’re sending the right resources.”
Stuart Lawless, the Operational Lead for the Drone Portfolio at the NPCC.
Herotech8’s foray into emergency services is a clear indication of a shift towards a more resilient, forward-looking approach to public safety. The introduction of ADS and Open Air ADI marks a significant step in the evolution of emergency management, demonstrating the power of integrated technology in building safer, more responsive communities.
About Herotech8
Herotech8, at the forefront of drone-in-a-box technology, excels in fully automated drone operations, streamlining aerial inspection and monitoring without the need for onsite pilots.
Operating from Cranfield, UK, and Berkeley, USA, the company was established in 2016 with a vision to fully automate drone control and data management, thus revolutionizing remote system access. T
his innovation allows a broad range of industries, including border control, airport security, defence, construction, facility management, and emergency services, to deploy drones automatically and manage operations remotely via cloud services.
The company’s progress is driven by its dynamic founding team:
- CEO Edward Anastassacos, who brings experience leading UK Government’s UAS programs and expertise in spacecraft systems engineering from Cranfield University
- CTO Robin Gojon, responsible for the technological vision and R&D, with a background in Robotics and Control Systems from ESME Sudria Paris
- Mike Edwards, the Head of Business Development, who integrates his extensive experience in technology application in the built environment and GIS expertise to align business strategies with client and industry needs.
Together, they steer Herotech8 towards pioneering advancements in autonomous, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations, cementing their role as innovators in the aerial technology sphere.
