Latest news with #FlyGuys
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Detroit deploys drones and AI to target building efficiency improvements
This story was originally published on Smart Cities Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Smart Cities Dive newsletter. Detroit has launched a drone inspection pilot program for city-owned buildings that can identify energy-saving improvements and optimize performance. The drones capture visible and thermal imaging of the building; an AI platform developed by processes the images and building analytics to create 3D models and energy simulations that help city officials identify thermal inefficiencies, assess structural conditions and optimize potential upgrades. A partnership among Detroit-based technology incubator Michigan Central and startup venture platform Newlab, the pilot 'is a prime example of how public-private collaboration can unlock innovative solutions for cities,' said Tim Slusser, Detroit's chief mobility officer, in a statement. Detroit, the Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Central and Newlab in 2022 launched the Advanced Aerial Innovation Region as a real-world testbed for next-generation drone technologies 'to move drone technology from concept to city-scale deployment,' according to a press release. The number of use cases for drones in city operations is 'phenomenally high,' said Matt Whitaker, director of mobility innovation platforms at Michigan Central. Detroit had already established a transportation innovation zone to streamline permitting for new mobility solutions such as drones, and Michigan Central helped the city get Federal Aviation Administration permissions to fly the drones, Whitaker said. For this project, working with aerial photographers FlyGuys and drone operations management system Airspace Link, deployed drones to identify thermal deficiencies such as insulation gaps and potential water infiltration in three municipal buildings. It used the data to create 3D models it paired with energy simulations to pinpoint targeted upgrades that could reduce the three buildings' HVAC energy use by up to 22%, according to the press release. The final reports give the city a tiered approach to retrofitting the buildings, such as targeted weatherization at the curtain wall, replacement of specific failing windows, continuous wall insulation and roof enhancements. 'We are helping the city of Detroit, through the Office of Sustainability specifically, to identify vulnerabilities for cost and climate challenges,' said co-founder and CEO Tarek Rakha. 'Our AI analyzes and categorizes building deficiencies and uses simulation to clearly state the return on investment once we identify an anomaly or a deficiency.' Rakha said the combination of drones and its AI platform is '20 times faster, five to 10 times more affordable and 50% more accurate than [assessing thermal deficiencies by] regular means — including using drones in general because drones can collect data but not analyze it.' The company's technology can scan 'a huge number of buildings in a fraction of the time at a fraction of the cost because we're using our own AI analytics,' Rakha said. 'That makes scaling quite accessible.' Recommended Reading Drone as First Responder program set for takeoff following Trump executive order Sign in to access your portfolio
The Independent
25-06-2025
- The Independent
These are the overhead bin rules for planes you (probably) didn't know about
A frequent flyer recently fell out with cabin crew aboard an American Airlines flight after he moved a bag from above his seat to make room for his, not realizing that it belonged to a flight attendant. The crew was accused of overreacting by removing him from the flight, but the passenger did break an overhead bin rule, as we reveal here. We asked travel experts, including etiquette gurus and a serving flight attendant, to reveal the protocol for using cabin stowage bins, and they highlighted some dos and don'ts that many passengers seem unaware of. The overhead bin isn't your personal closet Most passengers assume that the stowage compartment above their seat is their personal storage space. It's not. Jay Robert — who has worked as senior cabin crew for Emirates and who runs the popular Fly Guy's Cabin Crew Lounge network — tells The Independent: "One of the biggest misconceptions about plane travel that leads to some adult passengers looking like toddlers fighting over toys, is the belief that your ticket comes with a bin space directly over your seat. "In reality, your ticket, even if it includes a carry-on bag, does not guarantee that your bag will even make it into the cabin. It's the first to board, first gets the space. "The bottom line is, modern jets simply do not have enough bin space to accommodate a roll-aboard for every passenger. "If you want to increase your chances of stowing your bag overhead, ideally above your seat, book a ticket that gives you a higher boarding priority. "If you're in Zone 4 or above on a full flight, chances are high you'll have to check your bag at the aircraft door. A good way to judge? Just look at the boarding line. If you see everyone ahead of you rolling a carry-on, be ready to gate-check. When I'm in this situation, I prep my bag before boarding. I take out important documents, electronics, keys, and meds so it's ready to go in the hold if needed. "Coming onto a flight, especially toward the end of boarding, expecting and then demanding bin space above your seat doesn't just make you look entitled and difficult. It also makes it less likely that the crew will go out of their way to help you." Do not move someone's bag without asking Moving someone else's bag without asking is considered "baggage handling and it is not good manners, according to etiquette expert Lisa Mirza Grotts, author of A Traveler's Passport to Etiquette in a Post-Pandemic World. Sandra Zo Awodele, a travel consultant at Coitraveler, agrees, pointing out that this rule "should be unspoken." She adds: "The general rule is to avoid touching someone's personal belongings." How about shifting a bag to fit? That's ok, says etiquette expert Nick Leighton, co-host of Were You Raised By Wolves?. "But if a bag needs to be removed from a bin, best to let the crew handle that," he stresses. Avoid putting small items in the overhead bin Jay points out that putting small items in the overhead bin makes it more likely that passengers will have large items placed in the hold. He explains: "Take the Airbus A320, one of the most common aircraft you'll fly on. It typically holds between 170 and 180 passengers, but it can only fit about 90 carry-on bags in the bins. "That number drops even more when passengers ignore crew instructions and stuff small bags or jackets [in the bins] instead of placing them under the seat." Place bags in bins with wheels or handles facing out Sandra explains that placing roller bags in stowage bins with either the wheels or the handles facing outward, "will save room in the overhead compartment and make more room for the next traveler to share the space". Don't swing your bag down before the seatbelt sign is off The end of a plane journey can become a maelstrom as passengers rush to retrieve their bags. Sandra advises: "Wait until the seatbelt sign is off, and don't swing your bag down aggressively. "People have gotten injured by careless travelers rushing to deplane and grabbing their luggage too quickly from the overhead compartment. "Wait for a flight attendant to give the go-ahead and then move your bags when it's your turn."
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FlyGuys and Datumate Forge Strategic Partnership to Elevate Aerial Data Solutions in Construction Industry
LAFAYETTE, La., April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FlyGuys, the leading nationwide reality data capture technology company, and Datumate, a pioneer in construction data analytics and management software, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership that will revolutionize aerial data solutions for the construction industry. This collaboration combines FlyGuys' extensive network of FAA-certified drone pilots and high-quality aerial data capture expertise with Datumate's advanced DatuBIM platform, a cloud-native SaaS solution for infrastructure construction data analytics. Together, they will provide construction professionals with seamless integration of precise aerial data and comprehensive analytics, enhancing project management and decision-making processes. Key Benefits of the Partnership: Seamless Aerial Data Integration: FlyGuys' aerial data will integrate effortlessly with Datumate's DatuBIM platform, offering users high-resolution, timely insights to streamline project timelines. Improved Accuracy and Safety: Clients will gain accurate geospatial data while reducing on-site risks through autonomous drone flights and advanced mapping technologies. Enhanced Decision-Making: The partnership enables the transformation of raw drone data into actionable insights, facilitating better decision-making across all project phases. "Partnering with Datumate is an exciting step forward in transforming construction project management," said Joe Stough, CEO of FlyGuys. "By integrating our nationwide reality data capture with Datumate's advanced analytics, we're empowering construction teams with exceptional precision, efficiency, and in-depth insights, raising the bar for digital project management." "At Datumate, we believe that the key to smarter, safer construction lies in transforming raw data into actionable insights," said Dror Friedman, CEO of Datumate. "By partnering with FlyGuys, we're not just capturing high-resolution images—we're harnessing cutting-edge automation to provide real-time clarity and precision on every project. Together, we're setting a new standard for the industry and building the future of construction." Construction professionals interested in leveraging this integrated solution are encouraged to contact FlyGuys or Datumate for more information. About FlyGuys: FlyGuys is the leading online marketplace for reality data capture, connecting data seekers with professional data collectors through its proprietary software platform. With a nationwide network of skilled drone pilots ready for deployment, FlyGuys streamlines mission assignments to ensure fast, efficient, and reliable data capture. With a strong focus on accuracy, reliability, and operational excellence, FlyGuys empowers businesses to confidently make informed decisions. Its technology-driven approach optimizes data collection, delivering seamless solutions that adapt to the evolving needs of various industries. For more information, visit About Datumate: Datumate is a leader in construction data analytics and management software, offering the DatuBIM platform—a cloud-native SaaS solution designed to provide full visibility into infrastructure and transportation projects. Utilizing drone and laser scanning mapping alongside an advanced automation and photogrammetry engine, Datumate empowers construction professionals with intuitive, digital, and automatic project insights. For more information, visit For media inquiries, please contact: FlyGuysWhitney Savoie, VP of Marketing1.888.837.0940393384@ DatumateChaz Ross-Munro, CPSM, Head of Marketing393384@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE FlyGuys
Associated Press
19-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Reaching for the Sky
Lafayette-based FlyGuys uses AI to match drone operators with reality data clients across the nation. LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / As AI continues to evolve, Louisiana tech investor Joe Stough is leading the way with FlyGuys, which uses proprietary software to match supply and demand for drones. With a managed online marketplace business model, FlyGuys brings together over 14,000 Federal Aviation Administration-licensed drone pilots nationwide to assist clients and software companies in need of reality data. FlyGuys' clients work in various industries, performing tasks such as studying the productivity of a solar panel, inspecting utility poles, assessing the status of a commercial parking lot, or even modeling a cell tower. What unites them is a shared goal: easily finding and engaging drone operators to do work that would otherwise be difficult or dangerous for humans. 'Our drone operators are capable of delivering inspection reports quickly and with more precision than a human looking with their naked eye,' says Stough, CEO. Stough's extensive history as a global software creator and tech investor-with a focus on operational excellence-has given him valuable insight into the industry. He came to FlyGuys after successfully investing in the food delivery app Waitr, a company he eventually ran and took public. When common investors between Waitr and FlyGuys asked Stough to serve as a coach to the FlyGuys founder, he became an investor and was named Board Chairman. In 2022, Stough shifted gears and became CEO with the goal of elevating FlyGuys to a new level by bringing operational excellence processes to an already promising business model. How It Works Engaging FlyGuys is simple. Once clients submit an order for data capture using FlyGuys' proprietary cloud-based software, the AI platform sources the appropriate drone pilot based on location and experience, obtains a commitment from the pilot through a micro-contract, and coordinates the mission. Drone operators then confirm the job by a specified check-in confirmation date, ensuring no customer commitments fall through the cracks. 'Other companies deliver a similar service, but most narrow their focus to one or two vertical markets,' says Stough. 'FlyGuys is AI-agnostic by design, so there's no limit to the vertical markets we can access.' As partners to AI software companies and drone pilots or service providers, FlyGuys' pure horizontal focus makes it unique. The company also prides itself on delivering quality services however big it grows. Market response has been exceptional. After a significant investment in cloud-based software, FlyGuys' revenue exploded from $3.9 million in 2023 to $10 million in 2024. By 2025, the company is projected to grow an additional 100%, and over the next five years its annual revenue is on track to reach $100 million. 'But even that,' says Stough, 'is nowhere near the limit of FlyGuys' potential. 'The total market for these reality data-gathering products is in the billions,' he continues. 'It's a highly disruptive technology in a sizable but fragmented market with very little competition. And it's exactly the kind of technology that clients nationwide will need to grow into the future.'
