TEKEVER has confirmed the successful deployment of a lifeboat from its AR5 drone as part of a search and rescue exercise conducted by the Italian Coast Guard, in partnership with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).
With fully automatic operation, sensors onboard the drone enable the detection of vessels or humans on the water.
Using artificial intelligence (AI), the drone calculates the optimal time to release the lifeboat close to the vessel or person in distress without human intervention, enabling the lifeboat to be deployed at a close enough but safe distance.
The system automatically considers weather conditions and flight plan restrictions, allowing the lifeboat to be easily used in a wide range of situations.
Beyond detecting people in distress, the drone is expected to play a key role in search and rescue missions with the aim of improving maritime safety and reducing the 2,500 marine casualties and incidents reported by EU member states each year.
TEKEVER AR5 is equipped with optical and infrared cameras, a maritime radar, an AIS receiver, and an emergency position-indicating radio beacon antenna, making it the optimal solution for Search & Rescue and Maritime Surveillance missions.
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Ricardo Mendes, CEO at TEKEVER, said: “This successful demonstration by one of the leading maritime safety agencies is a fantastic endorsement of TEKEVER’s cutting-edge technology.
“We look forward to continuing this partnership with EMSA to improve the surveillance of European waters and ultimately save lives.”
Late last year, PD Ports worked with RAWview to implement a new drone stock counting system, the inventAIRy XL, at its Felixstowe warehouse.
