Three Filipino inventors have come up with a one-of-a-kind invention that will help improve search and rescue operations particularly during night time.
Project Kwago, a search and rescue drone made by software architect Vince Villena, freelance cameraman Ari Trofeo and video editor and hobbyist Mac Eugenio, is a contender at the 2016 Drones for Good Awards in the United Arab Emirates. It is among the 20 semifinalists in the competition organized by the government of UAE.
In a video explaining Project Kwago, project head Eugenio said: “‘Kwago’ is a search and rescue drone specializing in night operations. It is equipped with a thermal camera to detect heat signatures from the ground.”
Its features include pattern recognition, sonars, collision avoidance and auto take-off and landing. The drone has an app-based system enabling its makers to create other apps which can be utilized for other important purposes.
Kwago will initially conduct a high altitude thermal scan of the area at about 400 feet in order identify and find thermal signatures from the ground. The thermal signature will then be marked by the system prompting Kwago to begin a low altitude sweep at about 40 to 50 feet in order to get the exact location and coordinates of the detected heat signatures.
The coordinates will be transmitted to the ground station or even to the rescuer proximate to the location in real time.
Project Kwago will bring home US$1,000,000 in funding if it wins the contest which will be held at the Dubai Internet City on February 6, 2016.
Check out the video below.
What is a Drone?
According to space.com, a drone is an unpiloted aircraft or spacecraft. Also known as unmanned aerial vehicle or UAV, drones are commonly used for military purposes and are usually under real-time human control.