Drones
Drones (UAS/UAV): Latest on unmanned aerial tech, regulations, applications, and industry trends. From consumer to commercial and military drones.
Watsonville PD’s New Drone Unit Makes First Arrest, Enhancing Crime Prevention
KSBW reports that the Watsonville Police Department in California has successfully launched a drone program, marking a significant advancement in local law enforcement. The drone program, which consists of a DJI Mavic 3, a DJI Avata and a DJI Matrice…
Drone Deliveries Set to Take Flight in Mountain View
Silicon Valley’s Matternet is gearing up to launch a drone delivery pilot program in Mountain View, California, according to a recent report from Mercury News. The drone company plans to introduce a service that will allow residents to order food,…
Police Drone Programs Take Flight Across the US, Raising Privacy Concerns
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) reports that “drone as first responder” (DFR) programs are rapidly gaining popularity among law enforcement agencies across the United States. These programs involve deploying camera-equipped drones to 911 call locations before officers arrive, ostensibly to…
DJI Addresses Concerns Ahead of Congressional Hearing on Drone Competition
In a letter sent to the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has preemptively addressed concerns about its operations and products. The letter, dated June 25, 2024, and…
Florida Man Arrested for Shooting Down Walmart Delivery Drone
A 72-year-old Florida man has been arrested for allegedly shooting a Walmart delivery drone out of the sky, causing thousands of dollars in damage. According to ClickOrlando.com, Dennis Winn faces multiple charges including criminal mischief and discharging a firearm in…
DJI Drone Ban Described As “Uniquely American Clusterfuck”
DJI Drone Ban: U.S. Lawmakers Target Chinese Tech Amid Privacy Concerns In an excellent article from 404 Media, Jason Koebler explains why the DJI Drone Ban is a “uniquely American clusterfuck.” “This potential ban is a uniquely American clusterfuck that…
China’s Commercial Drone Dominance Raises Global Security Concerns
According to a recent article in MIT Technology Review, the widespread use of Chinese-made commercial drones in conflict zones has sparked international security debates. The piece, authored by Zeyi Yang, delves into how DJI, the world’s leading drone maker based…
House Committee Highlights Concerns Over Chinese DJI Drones, Urges US Leadership
The House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party held hearings today that shed light on the growing concerns surrounding Chinese-made drones, particularly those manufactured by DJI. The committee’s discussions centered on…
Manta Ray: US Military’s Submarine Drone Spotted on Google Maps
USA Today reports that an object resembling the U.S. military’s new submarine drone, known as the Manta Ray, has been seemingly spotted on Google Maps at California’s Port Hueneme naval base. This unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) is part of a…
Former AG Bill Barr Joins Military Drone Maker Dzyne as Advisor
According to a recent report from Axios, Bill Barr, the former U.S. Attorney General, has taken on an advisory role with military drone manufacturer Dzyne. This move comes after Dzyne’s acquisition of defense tech company High Point Aerotechnologies. The Age…
Chinese Drone Dominance Sparks Concern in US Congress
According to a recent report by The Washington Post, the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party is raising alarms about China’s growing dominance in the drone industry. The committee’s findings reveal a startling statistic: Chinese companies produce 90%…
North Carolina Farmer Defends Use of Chinese Ag Spray Drones Amid Legislative Battle
AGFunderNews reports that a North Carolina farmer is speaking out against proposed legislation targeting Chinese-made agricultural spray drones, highlighting the potential impact on U.S. farming practices. Farmer’s Perspective on DJI Drones Russell Hedrick, a first-generation farmer from Hickory, North Carolina,…