Swarming Lights, Bee Trackers & Microwave Defenses | October 7, 2024

Weekly Wings: DroneLife.com

In this week’s episode of Weekly Wings, Paul Rossi, Samuel Stansberry and Terry Neff cover a wide range of fascinating drone and space topics. The episode begins with a dive into the awe-inspiring Shenzhen drone light show, which featured over 10,000 drones creating stunning 3D shapes and dynamic animations in celebration of China’s National Day. The hosts marvel at the impressive display, discussing the technical and artistic feats achieved through these large-scale drone shows - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3gevG5KVL0

Next, the discussion shifts to Geodnet, a decentralized RTK network solution for high-precision positioning. Paul shares his personal experience with installing Geodnet miners and highlights the network’s rapid growth and potential as a passive income stream within the drone industry - https://console.geodnet.com/map

The team then introduces Flyability’s new cloud-based software for the Elios 3 drone. This software allows users to store, process, and share data collected during inspections of confined spaces, making it easier to collaborate and make decisions based on the collected data, all within a streamlined platform - https://dronelife.com/2024/10/03/flyability-unveils-new-cloud-solution-for-elios-3-at-intergeo-2024/

Turning to the military front, the hosts cover the U.S. Marines’ adoption of a microwave-based counter-UAS system, designed to neutralize drone swarms. They discuss the system’s capabilities in melting enemy drones mid-air, a crucial advancement in modern military operations - https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2024/09/30/marines-to-receive-new-system-for-zapping-drone-swarms-out-of-the-sky/

The conversation then moves to the latest advancements in drone delivery, including Google Wing and Matternet’s most recent announcements. The hosts explore how robots and drones are teaming up to revolutionize last-mile deliveries, offering new levels of efficiency - https://dronelife.com/2024/10/01/serve-robotics-and-wing-join-forces-for-robot-drone-delivery-cooperation/ and https://dronelife.com/2024/10/02/matternet-launches-first-drone-home-delivery-service-in-silicon-valley-video/

Shifting gears, they highlight how drones played a crucial role in hurricane relief efforts in western North Carolina, delivering essential supplies to remote areas that were inaccessible by road. Drones were used not only for delivering supplies but also for nighttime search and rescue missions - https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/piedmont-triad/surry-county-farmer-using-drone-to-deliver-supplies-to-western-north-carolina/

In a fascinating case study, the team explores how tiny radar chips mounted on bees are helping researchers track their movements and better understand pollination patterns. The innovative use of drones equipped with receivers is pushing the boundaries of agricultural and environmental research - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj9jzv27lv2o

The episode concludes with a look at how Delta Airlines is using drones for aircraft maintenance inspections. With FAA approval, Delta is incorporating drones to inspect their fleet following lightning strikes, speeding up inspections while keeping technicians safe from hazardous work conditions - https://news.delta.com/industry-first-faa-accepts-deltas-plan-use-drones-maintenance-inspections