Drone technology is a revolutionary new aspect of security, being used increasingly for remote surveillance. Here’s the latest about these “eyes in the sky” and why using drones for security is growing more popular for businesses, industries and homeowners.
Drones are also called Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Remotely-Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). They are remote-controlled flying robots equipped with sophisticated sensors and cameras. These features give drones the ability to capture high-quality visual data from the air. Even more improved AI-equipped drones collect and interpret data in real-time. AI-based drones make informed and adaptive decisions- in military operations or search and rescue missions, where fast, real time responses are crucial.
Common Types of Drones
There are some general types of drones, each with tailored specifications:
- Fixed Wing Drones– These look like mini airplanes- with long-range capacity and endurance.
- Multi-rotor Drones– Popular for recreational use, multi-rotor drones are stable, agile and have (VTOL) vertical take-off and landing capacities.
- Hybrid Drones– These are a very versatile combination of fixed-wing and multi-rotor drones.
Where Is Security with Drones Used?
There are various industries and settings where security with drones is often used with exceptional results. Here are 9 examples:
- RETAIL SETTINGS Surveillance drones are increasingly utilized in retail locations along with their warehouse settings to combat organized retail theft. Drones used indoors in large shipping spaces, for example, can pinpoint intrusions, track perpetrators, and alert security teams. Outdoor drone use secures parking lots 24/7, can compare license plates to identify unauthorized vehicles, or monitor surroundings and perimeters to deter and halt crime.
- CONSTRUCTION SITES Since theft is one of the main problems of a building site, drones are utilized to mitigate intrusion. Construction sites are known for using drones for security patrols- to establish control and access to the site, while also reducing fire risks.
- AGRI-BUSINESS Food production businesses use drones security for territory surveillance, mapping, and crop health assessment- places that often have large boundaries to patrol. Drone use for agri-business patrols are essential security guards equipment (or security guard tools).
- INDUSTRIAL Oil and gas companies, solar or wind farms, quarries, mines and pipeline facilities are all sites where drone technology for security is key in protecting personnel, equipment, production facilities, and stored goods. Drones patrols are exceedingly useful around these places involved with chemicals, energy, nuclear power or research.
- SMOKE AND FIRE DETECTION Not only can drones spot visible fires, they can be programmed to analyze air quality- detecting imminent fires before they even generate visible smoke. UC Davis researchers have designed one such UAV.
- LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES Drones are used by these agencies in collecting evidence, monitoring activities, tracking suspects, and performing search and rescue operations. Drones even have benefits for police in reconstructing crime scenes- with drones taking pictures from all angles, then feeding data into a 3-D printer.
- BORDER SECURITY For example, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection routinely utilizes drones for security purposes. Recently they flew several hundred domestic-based security drone missions while working with other state and local agencies.
- MILITARY The military uses specialized drones in combat. Drones are often used in their surveillance operations also. As an example, the North Dakota Army National Guard has flown multiple missions in support of border enforcement and illegal drug interception.
- FILM AND TELEVISION Drones are used in security surveillance of traffic flow, accidents, and emergency responses. They can even conduct aerial inspections of bridge, road or tunnel infrastructures. Drones on a film shoot can protect filming equipment or personnel, support security crowd control, and even enforce anti-piracy measures by monitoring for unauthorized filming or recording of copyrighted content.
These various categories mentioned are areas where traditional security guards and systems are utilized in conjunction with drones. There are 2 additional less security-related examples of drone use that can be noted as well:
- CONSUMER DELIVERY The rising use of drone delivery by the general public shows how accepted drone technology is becoming. Walmart customers in Rogers, AR are using Walmart’s DroneUp system for air delivery of food and items. In FL and VA, customers of Chick-fil-A and Wendy’s use Zipline and Wing to get their fast food delivered by drone.
- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE Drones are used to access remote locations with medical assistance. They also assist with disaster relief efforts, and transport organs, lab samples, and medical supplies.
Drone Technology vs. Human Security?
The surveillance drone will never replace human security agents- rather drones are the perfect ally to human security. Drones provide panoramic aerial observation, day or night, in real time, allowing human agents to make remote informed decisions without compromising their safety. Surveillance drones offer real-time crowd control tips to monitoring officers so crowd and traffic control teams can respond proactively, enhancing public safety during a large sports event or stadium concert performance. These “eyes in the sky” serve as advanced high tech tools, intended to complement trained security personnel. Security personnel and drones team together in conjunction to accomplish the highest security objectives of protecting property and people.
Surveillance drone use also opens up many doors within the security sector. There is currently a shortage of security professionals proficient in this growing surveillance technology. Security professionals with new technological skills are vitally needed to harness these increasingly sophisticated surveillance drones with personnel to accomplish their targeted security measures.
“Drones overall will be more impactful than I think people recognize, in positive ways to help society.”
Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft.
