Drones are becoming an increasingly vital tool for emergency services across the UK, enhancing situational awareness during incidents. As advancements in drone technology continue to emerge, companies like Evolve Dynamics are at the forefront of this innovation. Founded nearly a decade ago, the firm is quickly gaining recognition within the sector, particularly following a £230 million funding announcement from the previous government aimed at boosting drone capabilities in policing. This initiative aligns with the UKRI Future Flight programme, which seeks to drive drone technology development across various sectors.
Mike Dewhirst, founder of Evolve Dynamics, recently highlighted the company's growth and expansion during a visit to their offices near Guildford. Gwent Police was the firm’s first blue light customer, having purchased drones from them six years ago. The company has since broadened its reach to include forces such as Surrey and has partnered with search and rescue organisations.
The effectiveness of drones in emergency scenarios is largely centred on their ability to provide aerial situational awareness, making them an indispensable asset not just for police but also for fire and rescue services. However, as Dewhirst noted, "Cost is a big factor, and the investment may be prohibitive to many emergency services." The primary model, the Evolve Dynamics SKY MANTIS 2 drone, retails at approximately £38,000 before any additional functionalities are added. To address budgetary concerns, Evolve Dynamics has introduced the Nano drone — weighing just 249 grams and priced under £10,000, this new model aims to make drone technology more accessible.
Integration of drones within a broader operational strategy for efficiency and effectiveness is essential for emergency services. While having a drone in every response vehicle may be financially unfeasible, strategically locating drone capabilities across areas serviced by multiple emergency agencies could maximise their efficacy. "Innovation in the drone space is constant," Dewhirst remarked, indicating that improvements are being made to enhance the overall performance of these devices. This includes making drones quieter to facilitate surveillance operations, as demonstrated with the SKY MANTIS 2, which has received positive feedback for its reduced noise levels.
Challenges remain with drone flight capabilities, particularly concerning battery efficiency and flight time. As Dewhirst explained, "One of the limiting factors for drone flight is the fuel source. Batteries are not extremely efficient and they are heavy." Evolve Dynamics is addressing this limitation by collaborating with battery manufacturers to develop more efficient power sources that could lead to drones capable of sustained operations.
Additionally, the Norfolk Constabulary is currently trialling 'drones as first responders' as part of a National Police Chiefs’ Council programme. This involves strategically placing drones on buildings, which can be launched remotely to gather critical information and relay it back to control rooms, thereby aiding decision-making during incidents. Dewhirst emphasised Evolve Dynamics' role in developing this capability, highlighting its potential to reduce false calls and streamline processes.
Evolve Dynamics is committed to continual dialogue with emergency services to adapt and refine drone technology to meet their evolving needs. The company has also implemented a robust software system that helps optimise drone configurations based on specific operational requirements, utilising a database filled with test data on numerous motors, batteries, and propellers.
The ongoing advancements in drone technology, coupled with supportive funding and innovative partnerships, mark a significant phase for emergency services in the UK as they increasingly incorporate drones into their operational frameworks. The future seems promising for the integration of these technologies, with firms like Evolve Dynamics leading the charge in innovation tailored to the needs of emergency responders.
Source: Noah Wire Services