Airware Uses Drones for Anti-Poaching, Showcasing Positive Drone Applications

This article from TechCrunch, published on January 13, 2014, details how Airware, a startup specializing in drone technology, is demonstrating the beneficial uses of drones beyond military applications. The company is leveraging its platform to aid in the protection of rhinos from poachers in Kenya, highlighting the technology's potential for conservation and security.

Airware's Mission and Technology:

Airware, founded in 2010 and a graduate of Y Combinator, aims to make drone technology accessible for a wide range of commercial and civilian purposes. Their core mission is to bridge the gap between sophisticated military-grade drone development and the more readily available consumer drones. The company provides a comprehensive drone ecosystem, encompassing hardware, software, and firmware operating systems. This integrated approach allows businesses and organizations to develop custom applications for their specific needs without the burden of creating an entire Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system from scratch.

Anti-Poaching Initiative in Kenya:

In December 2013, Airware partnered with the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, East Africa's largest black rhino sanctuary, to deploy its specialized drones. The drones are equipped with Airware's proprietary autopilot platform and control software, featuring both standard visual cameras and thermal imaging capabilities. These drones serve a dual purpose: acting as a deterrent to potential poachers and functioning as a vital surveillance tool. They transmit real-time video feeds, including thermal imagery, directly to rangers on the ground. This allows rangers to monitor the sanctuary effectively, identifying poacher activity day or night, which is a significant improvement over traditional methods like foot patrols or vehicle surveillance, which are often cumbersome and less efficient for covering large areas.

Funding and Vision:

Airware had previously secured substantial funding, raising $10.7 million in a Series A round in May 2013. This round was led by Andreessen Horowitz and included investments from Google Ventures, RRE Ventures, Lemnos Labs, Promus Ventures, Shasta Ventures, and Felicis Ventures, marking it as the largest post-Demo Day round in Y Combinator history at the time. The capital infusion was earmarked for advancing their goal of making drone technology accessible for diverse industries such as precision agriculture, land management, infrastructure inspection (e.g., power lines, oil derricks), and search and rescue operations.

Broader Impact and Public Perception:

Jonathan Downey, Airware's founder and CEO, emphasizes the company's commitment to educating the public about the positive applications of drones. He believes that showcasing these non-military uses, particularly in conservation, is crucial for shifting public perception and fostering greater acceptance of drone technology in everyday life, such as for tasks like home inspections. The article contrasts the potential negative uses of drones with their capacity for significant societal benefit, underscoring Airware's dedication to leveraging technology for the betterment of humanity.

Future Outlook:

Airware announced plans to make its commercial drone platform widely available later in 2014. The company's deployment in Kenya served as a critical demonstration of their technology's capabilities and its potential to address pressing real-world issues, aiming to generate interest and support for their upcoming commercial launch. The success of such initiatives is seen as key to changing the narrative around drone technology.

Key Takeaways:

Airware develops integrated drone hardware, software, and firmware platforms.
The company's mission is to democratize drone technology for commercial and civilian use.
Airware deployed drones in Kenya for anti-poaching efforts to protect black rhinos.
The drones provide real-time surveillance using visual and thermal imaging.
This initiative aims to change public perception of drones towards positive applications.
Airware secured significant funding ($10.7 million Series A) to support its development.
The technology offers a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional surveillance methods for conservation.

Airware Uses Drones for Anti-Poaching, Showcasing Positive Drone Applications