![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
The manufacturer of an innovative Drone-in-a-Box (DiaB) solution, which could be used to provide a rapid response to emergency situations, has secured a government grant in recognition of its development work.
Guildford-based UAV manufacturer, Evolve Dynamics, won a competition for an Innovate UK Smart Grant, funded by UK Research and Innovation, part of the UK government.
Evolve Dynamics’ revolutionary self-charging DiaB technology is designed to facilitate eyes-on contact and transmit video and audio feeds to first responder control centres, Evolve Dynamics’ Drone as First Responder (DFR) concept will be able to demonstrate high weather resilience and fly autonomously for up to 45 minutes.
Related reading: Trials continue in drone as first responder initiative
The company’s DFR will be vehicle-mountable or transportable by a single person, in turn reducing the challenges of moving larger uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). Unlike existing UAVs currently used by first responders, this new innovation will feature vertical take-off, landing and recharging, all of which can take place autonomously, without human intervention.
By providing first responders with greater situational awareness and surveillance capabilities from a distance, the DFR will help to minimise human-risk and quickly ascertain the required response-level. This in turn will have the potential to reduce response times by 87%, lower eyes-on response costs by £2000 per incident and decrease the number of fatalities and property damage.
Mike Dewhirst, CEO and Founder of Evolve Dynamics stated, “We’re delighted and honoured that Innovate UK has recognised the potential of our Drone-In-A-Box technology. We believe this capability holds immense opportunities and is a truly disruptive technology that can transform the way in which first-responders operate and work”.
With ongoing security concerns in the industry around the production of Chinese-manufactured UAVs, the demand for ‘home grown’ or OECD-produced devices is forecast to grow significantly. As a unique technological concept, the UK is ideally positioned to become a leader in the global public safety UAV market, with further potential for global expansion.
To read similar articles, check out our Technology channel.
