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Operators of recreational drones flying for commercial purposes, upset Google employees, arrests for illegal anti-drone systems, drone technology and the travel industry, UAS ID and tracking proposals, a business competition winner, mapping with a LIDAR-equipped drone, and an outdoor drone testing facility that is really indoors.
UAV News
NBAA Warns of Commercial UAS Violations
In UAS Operators Must Understand What Commercial Use Entails, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) expresses concern about “the unwelcome matter of recreational operators flying drones for compensation.” The organization is worried that some drone operators don’t understand what “commercial use” means.
3100 Google employees protest company’s involvement in Pentagon drone project
Google has been working with the United States Department of Defense under Project Maven, which applies machine-learning and AI to weapon systems. Google algorithms would analyze drone footage and identify objects. Some Google employees feel this violates the Google “don’t be evil” motto.
Swiss engineer arrested for illegal anti-drone system sales
Rome, Italy financial crime police arrested a Swiss engineer and an Italian entrepreneur for selling anti-drone systems. The systems can allegedly detect, track, and neutralize UAVs by jamming the communication signal as well as the global satellite navigation system.
Drones, phones changing way vacationers plan their trips
At the annual National Association of Broadcasters show (NAB), travel marketing experts envision the use of drones and VR technology to impact the $1 trillion travel industry.
FAA’s ARC Submits Recommendations On UAS ID and Tracking, Despite Lack of Consensus
While the UAS Identification and Tracking Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) lacked complete consensus in the recommendations they sent to the FAA, some options were provided for UAS ID and tracking requirements. Reviews at the Department of Transportation and the Office of Management and Budget are pending.
Drone maker Fotokite wins $1 million Genius NY competition
Swiss-based Fotokite won the grand prize in the Genius NY business competition. Their fully autonomous tethered drone can stay aloft almost indefinitely. Applications include firefighting, law enforcement, broadcasting, and sports events.
Mentioned
LIDAR map for fully self-driving cars
Toll-road operator EastLink used a LIDAR-equipped drone to create a map of the inside of the Mullum Mullum tunnel. Future self-driving cars will require this detailed data.
Drone captures 3D LIDAR data for fully self-driving car trials in EastLink tunnel
University of Michigan opens up its M-Air UAV testing facility to students
The University of Michigan has opened the M-Air outdoor drone testing facility. Students and companies can use the five-story, 80 by 120 foot netted enclosure to test experimental algorithms and aircraft.
Ella Atkins | Drone Policy or Not?
Data Crunch Podcast
Deep research into niche artificial intelligence and machine learning industries.