Latest news with #dronetechnology
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Ghana's Minerals Commission Showcases Drone Technology at Mining in Motion 2025
The Minerals Commission of Ghana – the body responsible for the regulation and management of the country's mineral resources – is utilizing drone technology to address illegal mining. This innovative solution not only enables the government to combat illegal processes, but supports mining operations through geological tracking and oversight. At the Mining in Motion 2025 summit – taking place this week in Accra - Dr. Sylvester Akpah, Lead Consultant at the Minerals Commission, showcased how the drones provide real-time aerial surveillance of mining concessions and mineral-rich areas, enabling authorities to detect and respond to illegal operations. 'There is a need for us to support the government's agenda to ensure mining is done legally and sustainably, through the aerial imagery we obtain from drones,' Akpah said. He explained that artificial intelligence (AI) is integrated into the system to analyze drone footage and pinpoint the exact coordinates of suspected illegal mining activities. 'With AI, we can determine whether a site is legal or illegal. Once that's confirmed, security agencies can be deployed to take appropriate action,' he said. Beyond identifying unauthorized mining, the technology also allows for tracking of excavators, providing insights into ownership, operational legality and the movement of mined minerals. This enhances regulatory oversight and transparency in the mineral value chain. Data collected by the drones is integrated into the Minerals Commission of Ghana's internal systems, where it is analyzed by trained local data analysts. According to Akpah, the data acquisition and processing contributes to local skills development and supports Ghana's broader digitalization efforts in the mining sector. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
CBC
3 days ago
- General
- CBC
Dinos, meet drones: How new technology could reshape the fossil record
A new study is challenging a long-standing method of dating dinosaur fossils in Alberta's Dinosaur Provincial Park — using drone technology. Previously, one of the methods paleontologists have used to date fossils in the UNESCO World Heritage Site is by measuring how high or low skeletons were found above a distinct boundary where two major rock layers meet. That boundary serves as a time stamp that fossils are dated in relation to. But this method gives only a rough age estimate, according to Alexandre Demers-Potvin, the study's lead author and PhD student at McGill University's Redpath Museum. He and his team used drones to capture over 1,000 high-resolution images of a section of the park and recreated it as a 3D model. The findings, published in the journal Palaeontologia Electronica, show that the boundary used to date fossils in the park actually fluctuates in elevation by as much as 12 metres in relatively short distances. That means the reference point itself varies and could be throwing off the estimated ages of fossils measured against it. The drone method, however, brings a new level of precision to fossil dating in the park. "This is easily one of the studies of which I'm proudest," said Demers-Potvin. "It feels great because this is the kind of work that takes years to complete," he said, citing the collaborative effort between researchers and students who contributed to the study. He said drone-assisted 3D modelling "might be a promising way to better understand which dinosaur fossils are actually older than others in that part of Alberta." "If you're able to take a step back by looking at a larger area from the air, it's easier to notice those small differences." Taking to the sky In 2018, Demers-Potvin began exploring a key fossil site in the park called "Bonebed 190," alongside a crew of McGill's vertebrate paleontology field course researchers. This particular section proved to have a rich biodiversity and high preservation quality of fossils, which sparked a long-term project to further research the area. Demers-Potvin and his team introduced drones to the mix in 2021, taking pictures from above, while a ground team placed down markers using a GPS in order to better geolocate the final 3D rendering. Using a technique called structure-from-motion photogrammetry, they stitched the photos together to construct a detailed 3D model of the terrain. "The quality of the images of that model enabled us to essentially split all those hills into overlying rock layers … which means that we essentially split this whole section [into] different time zones, and this is something that hasn't been done very often for that kind of rock outcrop before," Demers-Potvin explained. The researchers say this application of 3D modelling may be a more reliable tool to date fossils, correcting previous estimates and filling in the gaps that exist in the current timeline. Drones help piece together more accurate fossil record Emily Bamforth, a paleontologist and curator at the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum in northwestern Alberta, said drone use is becoming increasingly common in her field. She is not affiliated with the study but said McGill's research is important to understanding the fossil record with accuracy and placing fossils in both a spatial and temporal context. "In the last two decades, there has … been a shift in dinosaur paleontology away from isolated specimens and towards understanding the broader environments and ecosystems in which these animals lived and how they changed over time," she said. "In this, the stratigraphic context in which a fossil is found is critical, to the point that where a fossil is found is as important as the fossil itself." Although Dinosaur Provincial Park is a well-researched site, Demers-Potvin hopes to continue refining what they already know with drone technology — potentially gaining more insight into the biodiversity of an ancient world. "I think we're getting away from that older method [of dating], and I think now we're just filling the gaps between one data point and another data point and that entire stack of sedimentary rock layers that you can find in the badlands," Demers-Potvin said. "This is only the first step as part of a much bigger project where we hope to cover the entire park."
ABC News
25-05-2025
- ABC News
More shark nets, drumlines, drones outlined in $88m government investment but legality of move questioned
A multi-million-dollar boost to Queensland's shark control — the biggest investment in the program's history — looks to protect beachgoers with "innovative technologies". But some are questioning if the move is even legal. Over the next four years, the Queensland government will pour an additional $88.228 million into the Shark Control Management Plan 2025-2029. It said the new plan "combines proven safety measures like shark nets and drumlines" with new tech including "drone surveillance and whale-deterrent measures", rolling out from July this year and to receive regular maintenance. "The program includes increased servicing of shark control equipment to 365 days a year, weather permitting," Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said on Sunday. The minister said the investment was backed by science, however not-for-profit Sea Shepherd Australia described the move as "a dangerous escalation" of the program. "Today's announcement is big and bold, it puts swimmer safety first," Mr Perrett said. "I have said time and time again, the best science must inform our actions when it comes to [the Department of Agriculture and] Fisheries." The investment follows two recent shark-related fatalities in Queensland, after school chaplain Luke Walford was killed while spearfishing at Humpy Island and 17-year-old surf life-saver Charlize Zmuda was injured while swimming at Bribie Island. Mr Perrett said "striking the right balance between ensuring swimmer safety and maintaining a healthy marine environment" was vital to uphold the reputation of Queensland's $33 billion tourism industry "as a safe place to enjoy some of the best beaches in the world". The new plan accepted recommendations made by an evaluation of the shark control program, which the government said had consulted marine experts. "The report found it's likely shark control equipment, such as drumlines and nets, contributed to substantially lower shark attacks where it is operational," the minister's statement said. More research will be undertaken as part of the plan, including how the control measures impact specific shark species. However Sea Shepard Australia's Jonathan Clark said the new shark nets and drumlines would present dangers for "countless marine animals" and could also "increase risks to swimmers". Mr Clark said the minister "is pushing a stone-age 'kill them all' approach that will devastate marine life". The conservationist was alarmed by the new program, which he said "may breach federal law". "Under Section 43B(3) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, any enlargement or intensification of the Queensland Shark Control Program could be deemed illegal," Mr Clark said. When asked if Sea Shepherd Australia would be taking action legal against the Queensland government, he said "it's early days for us yet, but I certainly hope so". He said two fatalities had occurred near drumlines in Queensland waters over the past five years, describing the equipment as attracting large sharks to shore and therefore increasing risk. "These lethal methods don't protect people … Minister Perrett is ignoring the science, legal risks, and public safety, while intensifying a program that should have been phased out years ago," Mr Clark said. "We can absolutely stand by our belief that those devices make beaches less safe — this view has been around for a long time and is supported by data and science. "We need to have the shark nets removed, the drumlines ultimately have to go, and we have to get into the modern ideas of using that technology such as drones, shark barriers, and really good public education." Mr Clark said drones and other new technology could be used to phase out older methods. "We applaud the use of drones and any expansion in the use of drones because they do make beaches safer," he said. The information provided by drones could help make informed decisions when it comes to entering the water, according to Mr Clark. "But in effect, it means nothing while the government continues with shark nets and drumlines, and the whole point of developing the non-lethal technologies is to get rid of these antiquated shark culling devices," he said. Potential locations for the expanded program have been identified based on the presence of Surf Life Saving Queensland, and data indicating a growth in beach use. The Queensland government has identified seven possible beaches for traditional shark control measures, including: For the expanded drone program over 2025-2026, six potential locations have been earmarked: The beaches will now undergo further detailed assessment from "stakeholders and expert scientists", as well as community consultation.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
UAE to launch mobile police station with drones that can recharge EVs on the road
The UAE is set to roll out a locally manufactured hybrid police vehicle by 2027 that doubles as a mobile command centre, equipped with drone-launch capabilities and the power to recharge stranded electric vehicles on the road. Manufactured by Eneron, a subsidiary of UAE-based Kenstongi and a pioneer in tactical mobility, the company plans to launch the Magnus vehicle by 2027–28. The 'mobile police station' has been designed with the specifications and operational requirements of the Abu Dhabi Police. The vehicle, developed and manufactured in the UAE, is currently on display at the 'Make it in the Emirates' exhibition and conference, taking place at the Adnes Centre in Abu Dhabi from May 11 to 22, 2025. In an interview with Khaleej Times, Waleed Alblooshi, senior manager for Corporate Communications at Eneron, said the hybrid vehicle can travel up to 900km, further enhancing the safety and security of the city. "There will be a driver and a command officer inside the vehicle. The officer will be able to deploy drones from within the vehicle for monitoring and inspection purposes. It will function as a mobile police station," Alblooshi said during the interview. "The goal is to roll it out between 2027 and 2028," he added, speaking on the sidelines of the 'Make it in the Emirates' exhibition, where thousands of UAE companies are showcasing their innovations. 'The vehicle can also assist other electric vehicle owners on the road by recharging their cars if the battery runs out, thanks to its built-in capacity to recharge other electric devices. It can operate autonomously off-road and be controlled remotely. It's equipped with multiple cameras providing a 360-degree view and real-time data for surveillance,' he said. As the number of electric vehicles continues to grow in support of eco-friendly mobility solutions across the country, this recharging feature is expected to be a valuable service for citizens and residents when their EVs run out of power.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US company Aimlock has been all about deadly accurate fire. Now it's also making last-resort weapons for the counter-drone fight.
AimLock is an aided target recognition technology company founded in 2013. Its targeting systems have been applied to everything from rifles to rockets and various drones. CEO Bryan Bockman told BI about AimLock's work in the counter-UAS space at SOF Week 2025. Helping troops armed with rifles, drones, mounted machine guns, and even grenade and rocket launchers identify and lock onto targets more easily — that's the basic mission of US company AimLock, which has been developing automated targeting products for over a decade. At SOF Week 2025, the company's CEO, Bryan Bockmon, told Business Insider about how the company is now focusing on autonomous weapons systems that may be crucial for future warfare, systems made for defeating drones. Countering drones is an expanding area of research and development, with a lot of work being done in Ukraine, though that isn't the only country where this technology is being developed. The Ukraine war has shown that electronic warfare like signal jamming and GPS spoofing can be effective when it comes to defeating enemy drones, but having a kinetic option, the ability to shoot it, as a last resort for destroying those systems is essential should other options fail. And they may fail because some drones, like the fiber-optic drones becoming more common in Ukraine or AI-enabled systems, for instance, are resistant to electronic warfare. "If that doesn't work," Bockmon said of electronic warfare, then "this is the last line of defense." AimLock's autonomous counter-drone systems are made to detect classify, and track uncrewed aerial systems and then decide on the best firing solution for taking them out. One of the AimLock counter-UAS systems was on display at SOF Week in Tampa, Florida. Bockmon said that the system was invulnerable to signal jamming and other elements of electronic warfare because it relies on visual navigation and autonomous terminal guidance. "We develop autonomy that's specialized for weapons integration," the CEO said, explaining that the autonomy is in finding targets, aiming, tracking, and engagement, or actually firing the weapon at the target. What makes AimLock's development approach interesting is that "instead of making specialized systems that then have to be reinvented 10 times over to cover the entire mission need," Bockmon said, it makes "generalized modules that can be adapted across 10 different missions." So if the warfighter needs a different sensor or weapon system, it can find an AimLock product to match. It reduces the development cycle, the CEO said, lowering costs and simplifying the process. The company's Core Targeting Module, or CTM, as it's called, is at the heart of AimLock's systems. It combines autonomy and firing and targeting components to improve the speed and precision of weapons from guns to uncrewed systems. The CTM hardware is, in some cases, just a small black box with a few plug-in outlets on top. Bockmon said the modularity of it and other weapons systems AimLock makes allows it "to offer new solutions that can adapt at the pace of combat," whether that is a low-intensity fight or a high-intensity great power conflict in remote or contested environments with limited communications. While the company has been working to refine all of this for years, its current focus is its counter-drone systems. Counter-drone technology has been growing in importance for years now with electronic warfare, directed energy (lasers), and other developments all aimed at defeating uncrewed systems, but the technology is becoming critical as drones, especially small, inexpensive drones, become more prolific. The Pentagon unveiled its new counter-UAS strategy to address these issues last year, but there's a lot of work to be done to meet the threat. "We finished our first counter-UAS systems back in 2018," Bockmon explained to BI, "and they had to sit on the shelves for a long time because it was really about how effective will electronic warfare be in the future, and then how quickly will it be defeated." It wasn't clear initially how effective electronic warfare would be, but it's clear now that it's not infallible. The counter-drone mission was a big topic at SOF Week 2025. Multiple defense industry exhibitors and special operations officials spoke to the growing need for a variety of solutions to defeat hostile drones. The Defense Department has made developing a military-wide strategy for countering drones a top priority. Read the original article on Business Insider
