R&D and Innovation Projects
We are a hub for drone R&D and innovation, focusing on AI-powered UAS, agritech and VTOL advancements for enhanced public services. Collaborating with industry and research partners, we drive cutting-edge developments, enhance efficiency, and promote sustainability. Explore our projects, industry insights, and training opportunities to shape the future of UAS technology.
TakeFlight (TRL4) – Revolutionising drone flight applications and approvals
A software solution to assist Drone Operators with the preparation and application of Beyond Line of Visual Sight (BVLoS) drone flight applications, and Regulators with the ability to process, review and deconflict multiple applications in real-time.
The result of training of a bespoke AI engine, based upon 2,500 previous SORA applications, and leveraging Quantum technology for data processing and protection, provides a viable solution for opening the U-space to commercial entities by shortening the approval process whilst maintaining rigor.
DisaSTAR (TRL3) – Enabling a paradigm shift in public sector responses to disaster events
Connecting various installed and additional sensors via the Internet of Things into a User Interface located at DroneHubs distributed across the country. When sensors are triggered, a UAS platform is automatically dispatch from the DroneHub to investigate and provide situational awareness to primary and secondary responders.
The result of this solution will be a substantial reduction in response times to disaster and emergency events, saving the lives of citizens.
AiRFmap (TRL3) – Increasing safety by mapping the skies from a Radio Frequency perspective
The development of a digital twin-based tool for drone the operators or regulators to support the flights of unmanned aircraft from a communications and command & control perspective. Based upon real-world data collection, to provide a bedrock for understanding current future UAS communication infrastructure needs and spectrum optimisation opportunities.
The result of equipping regulators and operators with real-time, high-resolution airspace maps that visually display available bandwidth and potential communication constraints along flight paths allows to predict conflicts or congestion, enabling regulators to implement necessary mitigations to ensure safety.
WingsOfLife (TRL6) – Bringing Drones into service in the medical sector for blood and pathology samples
Conducting a clinical trial to validate integrity of blood samples compared to land transportation alternatives, whilst also developing the processes and procedures to ensure the chain-of-custody is maintained and safeguarded.
The results of this applied research shall open the prospect of UAS platforms being used to expedite the transfer of medical samples, assisting with processing times and connecting rural communities to healthcare facilities.