COVID-19 sensing drones to detect fevers and coughing
Drones as surveillance devices and mobile speakers are being progressively called into action during the COVID-19 crisis. Drones as mobile speakers are used to remind people regarding the importance of lockdown. However, there are various other use-cases for drones as well. Last month, digital Trends stated about how Draganfly, one of the longest-serving commercial drone companies, was working with modern technology to make possible medical diagnoses from a range using drones during the coronavirus pandemic by using an onboard thermal sensing unit and smart computer vision technology. This can replace the currently used handheld infrared thermometers and these drones make it more reliable to measure the temperature readings.
On 26 March, Draganfly revealed that it has been selected as well as agreed to a deal to release its COVID-19 sensing drones in Australia. The Draganfly deployment in collaboration with the Australian Department of Defense and the University of South Australia will use its “pandemic drones” to remotely monitor and find people with infectious and respiratory conditions to help stop the further spread of the COVID-19 in Australia. The initial budget of the project is 1.5 million dollars.
The COVID-19 sensing drones can
keep a track of fever-associated temperature levels, heart, as well as respiratory rates from a distance, using their onboard technology. Additionally, it can also detect people sneezing and coughing in crowds or areas where groups of individuals might work or gather together.Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly, informed Digital Trends, “The technology has not transformed in the last month”, “However what has transformed is our ability to begin to discuss the specifics of where and exactly how it was created and its capacities.”
Chell noted that the COVID-19 sensing drones will be certainly used at different hotspots. He added, “The top priority is to use the tech into areas where most of the detection is required”.
It’s yet not clear when Draganfly’s drones will certainly hit the sky for this purpose. But the faster this can be done, the better it would be to unravel the circumstances.
Chell said, “The company has got a lot of other inquiries regarding its COVID-19 sensing drones, and “It appears that every market and industry that has actually been impacted by this pandemic has interest at some level.
Author: Sruthi S
