A team of researchers from Alabama is developing a dam fine application for drones. University of Alabama-Birmingham doctoral candidate Ali Darwish is leading a project to create customized UAVs that can be used for infrastructure inspection – specifically for dams. “Alabama has 2,100 dams, and only 2 percent are regularly …

A new application has launched offering drone users on-demand insurance for commercial and recreational flights. Verifly, from tech entrepreneur Jay Bregman, has been designed to offer a simple way for pilots to buy insurance pre-flight and per flight. Over two years in the making, Verifly will offer an alternative for pilots …

Last week, we reminded readers of American police agencies’ “bromance” with drones. However, the infatuation with UAVs is not bound by borders. Here’s a roundup of police drone reports from around the world. Czech Republic Czech national police are testing drones across several regions and hope to get authorization to …

Will its reliance on channel partnerships address the real needs of commercial operators? QuickTake THE FACTS: Without the usual fanfare associated with a new product release, consumer drone manufacturer DJI opened up a website (http://enterprise.dji.com) in July 2016 that is dedicated to commercial / enterprise use of their drones. The …

Earlier this week, Norwegian startup Staaker launched its first drone. And understandably plenty of major publications took notice. For once, this was a tried and tested new entry to the market, not a concept to be crowdfunded or a prototype in the making. The company was formed in 2013 after one of the founders was …

The Department of Homeland Security is looking for a few good drone startups. As part of an effort to connect with innovative industry, Homeland Security held an industry event last week in order to meet “nontraditional contractors” who might be able to provide the drone technology that they need. A notice …

Elevation data is crucial to many industries. Businesses are beginning to look to drones as a faster, safer, more cost-effective alternative to traditional ground-based survey methods of capturing elevation data. Over the last few months, we’ve rolled out a number of tools to help companies leverage elevation data, including improved …

Chinese manufacturer Yuneec International has launched its own First Person View (FPV) headset, called SkyView. The move makes Yuneec the first major consumer drone company to offer a purpose-built headset. With it, users can see directly through the eyes of a Typhoon H or Tornado H920. Skyview – Yuneec’s New Fpv …

As the drone industry grows, it becomes more critical that drone operators follow the rules and fly safely.  The FAA is increasingly enforcing regulations; and drone operators risk fines and possible jail time for serious infractions.  If you’ve just purchased a drone – or are just realizing that there are rules …

The White House published a Fact Sheet yesterday, announcing their commitment to promoting commercial drones and discussing the initiatives planned to boost the drone industry. The publication came as the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) held a Workshop on Drones and the Future of Aviation, emphasizing partnerships …