… AeroVironment doing test for FCC of an aerial communications relay station which could be used in the event of a disaster. “Small UAVs can provide instant communications capabilities to preserve lives, property and resources,” says AV VP Roy Minson.
… World Surveillance Group‘s Argus Hybrid blimp-like aerostat/airship is a variation on the same theme: to stay on station and provide 24/7 streaming data or a steady platform for communications relay.
… Bluesky, a UK military UAV provider, has launched a surveying wing to collect site specific images and data. “The integrated camera captures high res photogrammetric images that can be used to create map-accurate aerial survey data including height models,” says James Eddy, Bluesky Tech Director.
… Spanish startup Intelligenia Dynamics is working with the U of Granada to use quadcopters to autonomously scan buildings in order to construct 3D models of historical sites.
… WinterGreen Research publishes new “First Responder, Border Patrol, Homeland Security and Security Robots” report ($3,700) reviewing 30+ vendors and including revenue projections to 2018.