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Aug 18

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Department of Transportation

NV5 Secures $10M Drone Mapping Contract to Boost North Carolina Infrastructure

NV5, a leader in tech-enabled engineering solutions, has landed a two-year, $10 million contract with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to deliver advanced drone-based geospatial services, enhancing infrastructure planning statewide. This deal leverages unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to improve accuracy and efficiency in transportation projects, signaling a growing role for dr

Haye KestelooMay 28

NASA

NASA Awards Grants for Drone Innovations in Hurricane Relief and Air Traffic Cybersecurity

NASA has selected two university teams to develop drone technologies tackling real-world aviation challenges, focusing on hurricane relief and securing air traffic systems against cyber threats. Funded through NASA’s University Student Research Challenge (USRC), each team receives up to $80,000 to advance aeronautics research with practical applications for drone professionals and the aviation ind

Haye KestelooMay 20

Wing's Delivery Drones Reveal Engineering Marvels in Spectacular Slow-Motion Testing

Walmart

DoorDash and Wing Launch Drone Delivery in Charlotte, Boosting Fast Food Access

In a groundbreaking move for local logistics, DoorDash and Wing have introduced drone delivery in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking the city’s first foray into aerial food transport. Starting today, customers near The Arboretum Shopping Center can order from local favorites like Curry Junction and national chains like Panera Bread, with deliveries arriving in as little…

Haye KestelooMay 19

DJI

Drones Save Lives in Asheville: How DJI Docks Transformed Hurricane Helene Response

When Hurricane Helene ravaged Asheville, North Carolina, in 2024, floodwaters turned streets into rivers, cut power, and isolated communities. Amid the chaos, the Asheville Police Department’s deployment of 13 DJI Docks became a lifeline, revolutionizing emergency response with real-time aerial intelligence. Aerial Eyes in Unreachable Places Helene’s floods made traditional response methods nearly

Haye KestelooMay 4

Technology

How Drones Are Revolutionizing Chick-fil-A’s Operations

Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A has introduced drone technology as part of its comprehensive approach to analyzing and improving drive-through operations. The company dispatches specialist teams to study traffic patterns and operations across its more than 3,000 restaurants, using drones to capture aerial footage of vehicle flow and service efficiency, reports the WSJ. Technical Implementation The compa

Haye KestelooFeb 2

North Carolina

North Carolina Eliminates State Drone Permit Requirement, Streamlining Operations for Commercial Operators

North Carolina is set to eliminate its state-level unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operator knowledge test and permit requirements, marking a significant shift in drone regulation that aims to reduce bureaucratic overhead while maintaining safety standards. The change, taking effect December 1, 2024, removes the state-specific licensing requirement for commercial and government drone operators. Co

Haye KestelooDec 30

Department of Transportation

North Carolina secures grant for Drone-in-a-Box technology to enhance disaster response effort

Following Hurricane Helene earlier this year and Florence in 2018, North Carolina has secured a grant to launch its latest drone program aimed at taking its disaster response efforts to the next level. The program, operated by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), will see disaster response efforts strengthened across the state using drone-in-a-box…

Haye KestelooDec 29

DJI Mavic 2 Gets a Smart Update: Embracing Remote ID - Reversal of Texas Drone Law Decision Raises Concerns for Journalists Drones' Impact on Grazing Horses Studied by Researchers - Updated European drone regulations to combat unlawful usage - New Jersey town aims to regulate airspace and restrict drones - DJI Mavic 2 firmware update increases range to 6 miles for both Pro and Zoom models

Drone Research

NC A&T to Lead $2M Advanced Air Mobility Research Initiative with State Transportation Department

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T) has secured a leadership role in a significant new drone and advanced air mobility research initiative, backed by an initial $2 million investment from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) over the next two years, reports GovTech. The University Transportation Center of Excellence for Advanced…

Haye KestelooDec 12

North Carolina

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