New Commitments to Accelerate the Safe Integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The commercial drone industry has experienced rapid growth and is projected to contribute over $82 billion to the U.S. economy by 2025. Recognizing the potential of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their impact on various sectors, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) has announced new steps to promote the safe integration and adoption of UAS across the United States. These actions, supported by public and private entities, aim to enhance the understanding, control, and application of UAS for beneficial purposes.

Expanding Research Funding for UAS Applications

To further accelerate the development and application of UAS, the National Science Foundation (NSF) will provide $35 million in research funding over the next five years. This investment will focus on areas such as monitoring and inspection of physical infrastructure, smart disaster response, agricultural monitoring, and the study of severe storms. By advancing the understanding of UAS capabilities, this funding will unlock innovative solutions and enhance the effectiveness of UAS in various industries.

Harnessing UAS for Search and Rescue Operations

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) is committed to leveraging UAS technology to enhance search and rescue operations. By October 2018, DOI will develop and maintain a training program for the use of UAS in critical search-and-rescue situations. Additionally, DOI will develop payloads traditionally carried by manned aircraft for UAS, reducing costs and risks for departmental personnel. This commitment to augmenting manned aircraft missions demonstrates the potential of UAS to support and enhance existing operations.

State Investments in UAS Industry Growth

New York State, through the Empire State Development agency, is making a significant investment of $5 million to support the growth of the UAS industry in the Upstate region. This investment will foster innovation, develop Unmanned Aerial Traffic Management infrastructure, and create an innovation district dedicated to unmanned systems. By aligning educational institutions and launching business accelerator programs, New York State aims to establish itself as a hub for UAS innovation and manufacturing.

Private Sector Commitments to Expand UAS Applications

Leading organizations in the UAS industry are stepping up to expand the technological capabilities and applications of UAS. Zipline International, in collaboration with Ellumen, ASD Healthcare, and Bloodworks Northwest, will demonstrate the use of UAS in delivering critical medical supplies to remote communities in Maryland, Nevada, and Washington. This initiative aims to improve health access and save lives by providing timely medical care to areas with limited accessibility.

Flirtey, a retail drone delivery startup, is partnering with International Medical Corps to develop lightweight, temperature-managed payload containers for aerial delivery of medicines and vaccines in remote and low-resource settings. This collaboration will address logistics challenges and enable the efficient delivery of crucial supplies to health clinics and hospitals, making a significant impact on humanitarian aid efforts.

To ensure the safe integration and acceptance of UAS technology, the Commercial Drone Alliance is leading an educational effort to raise awareness of privacy best practices among UAS users. By hosting town hall meetings and educational workshops across the country, this initiative aims to foster responsible UAS operations and encourage collaboration between industry and government stakeholders.

Conclusion

These new commitments and initiatives underscore the growing potential of UAS and their ability to revolutionize industries such as healthcare, emergency response, and infrastructure monitoring. By investing in research, expanding capabilities, and prioritizing safety and privacy practices, the United States is poised to lead the way in the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems. To learn more about the latest developments in UAS technology, visit Blog Hồng.