The COVID-19 global pandemic has infected a massive 10 million people worldwide while the death-toll is set to rise toward half a million. It's really commendable how our frontline warriors are fighting this virus very strong and composed 24x7. Although technologies like AI, Big Data, GIS and Mapping, and Autonomous Machines are playing a vital role in assisting the warriors, there is one small fighter who is playing a range of important roles in combatting the pandemic. It's the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or a Drone as many like to call it.
This small machine has got some propellers, electronic speed controller, Optical zoom Camera and a lot more that's perfectly mounted on a frame aerodynamically. Drones can perform their work with the help of a series of computer programs, GPS and manual controlling which controls its ability to take off, land and manoeuvre.
The era of Corona has made people go creative with the drone usage. Although a few uses have been traditionally performed, others are new to the world. Let's check-out the sectors that witnessed drone usage to battle Coronavirus.
1. Surveillance
During COVID-19 authorities in various countries are deploying drones to warn the people on the streets or even sometimes chase them to their way home. Chinese government is said to be having a bird's eye view on the people who are home quarantined and also on the people that are doing work from home!
By using such a technology the risk of police officials catching the infection is significantly lowered as it enables monitoring the area without any physical engagement.
Drones can also find its use in making various public announcements by attaching loudspeakers on them and deploying them into crowded areas. Drones can provide live footages to authorities for ensuring that the law of social distancing is adhered to. This approach is notably important for community resilience and disaster response. However it's worth considering the privacy factor and should not encroach someone's personal space.
2. Spraying Disinfectants
Drones can spray upto 10 litres of disinfectant at a time in public spaces to inhibit further virus spread. These spraying drones can cover a much larger area in a lesser time period at a lower cost when compared to its traditional counterparts. Using WHO or local authority approved chemicals, the disinfectant drones can spray over large facilities such as stadiums and race-courses, or indoor buildings such as jails and government offices. The facilities that can otherwise not be put under a lockdown.
3. Drone Deliveries
One of the most important utilities of a drone is its ability to deliver medicines and blood samples of the patient to the homes, hospitals and laboratory at the quickest. There is no need to have a physical contact of the respective staff to perform their duty. It is one of the safest and fastest ways of transportation of such perishable essentials.
Apart from this, various companies are delivering their products like groceries, food parcels and more to you doorsteps or window-sills by using drones to prevent people from stepping out.
4. Temperature Checks
If someone needs to send their body temperature record to their hospital, drones are ready for their service and set with the help of mounted infrared camera on them. Telangana and Delhi government has already done this for the people who were locked-down at their home.
5. Treatment Centre Constructions
Drones are finding new areas of work with their traditional potential. They are helping officials to survey new areas for building new COVID-19 hospitals.
It is also used as a light source of construction site to build temporary hospitals. They have a range of upto 6,000 square meters and can continue to illuminate them for a ceiling of 10 hours on a single charge.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA India) has launched a web portal with the name GARUD standing for Government Authorisation for Relief Using Drones. This is created to accept applications from government agencies to permit and authorise legal drone use for noble purposes like the ones discussed above. About 10 companies that include SpiceJet Airlines, Reliance-backed ShopX, and Google-backed Dunzo have been permitted by DGCA to carry out operation of ‘Beyond Visual Line of Sight’’ (BVLOS) drone projects in designated airspaces across the nation. The government is looking at these projects to gain a boost into such operations. The growth of drones in the global market is unprecedented. Get a detailed Overview of UAV and its Industrial Applications with our 3 Day Training Program by requesting information in the form below. With the increasing clarity on BVLOS norms and the drone-mapping outsourcing set to happen with the introduction of SWAMITVA scheme, there's a lot to be seen that includes increased employment and the futuristic skies.