By Yvonne Gerster
10. July 2024

The 5th AIRlabs Austria Future Conference took place on 13th and 14th of June 2024. Under the motto ‘Shaping the use and possibilities of unmanned aerial systems’, there was intensive discussion about the possible uses of drones in agriculture and forestry, for environmental and resource conservation and to support rescue operations. 

Holger Friehmelt, Head of the Institute of Aviation at FH JOANNEUM and Technical Director of AIRlabs Austria: ‘The international exchange beyond the borders of Austria not only provided some “aha” experiences, but also allowed us to think outside the box.’ The conference impressively demonstrated how drone technology can sustainably enrich society and the environment. 

One highlight of the event was the spectacular demo flight by the Freiwilligen Feuerwehr Neutillmitsch (Neutillmitsch volunteer fire brigade), in which powerful searchlights were used to demonstrate the capabilities for rescuing humans and securing disasters response. A unique drone response vehicle was also presented as part of the event. With innovation, passion and the support of local partner companies, the Neutillmitsch volunteer fire brigade showed what a wide variety of search and rescue operations will look like in the future. These drones not only make it possible to organise the work of the fire brigade more efficiently and quickly, but also significantly reduce the workload of the emergency services. The use of drone technology means that emergency services no longer have to plunge into uncertain dangers, which significantly improves the safety and effectiveness of rescue operations during natural disasters and other emergencies. 

Another example of the use of drone technology is the more efficient processing of insurance claims. In the event of (property) damage caused by natural events such as hail, disputes can be avoided by analysing the collected data and those affected can therefore receive support more quickly. 

Experts were also amazed when they reported that if high-tech drones are used correctly, they are not perceived as a threat by bats, which are very sensitive to noise. These flight systems have now been developed in such a way that bats are not disturbed in their natural environment and their behaviour is hardly or not at all affected. If drones are perceived by wildlife, they are usually interpreted as predators. This was made clear by the observed behaviour of young and mother animals living in nests. 

Indian government promotes training for female drone pilots 

Ansar H. Lone, founding member and managing director of COMRADO Aerospace, professor at the Institute of Science in India and advisor to the Indian federal government, reported on India’s pioneering role in the drone sector: ‘The Indian government is actively promoting the use of drone technology in the agricultural sector to improve working conditions and promote gender equality.’ There are now 300 start-ups active in the agricultural sector. These are supported by the government, among other things, by reducing VAT on drone technology (from 18% to 5%), which is used to protect the environment and society. Thanks to the use of drones, for example, the dangerous practice of pest control on fruit plantations at a height of 30 metres will soon be a thing of the past. Another noteworthy aspect is the Indian government’s initiative to train 15,000 women as drone pilots. This will ensure that the drone sector is gender-balanced from the beginning. 

Holger Friehmelt: ‘The AIRlabs Austria Future Conference offered a unique platform where bright minds came together to shape the future. New research project ideas were developed and initiatives launched that focus on socially valuable tasks such as rescue services, climate protection, agriculture and farming as well as the conservation and maintenance of natural areas. This has laid the foundation for a future-proof and sustainable use of the technology.’ 

AIRlabs Austria is a non-commercial innovation laboratory funded by the BMK as part of the FFG TAKE-OFF programme for the planning, construction and operation of civilian drone tests in Austria. With its 25 consortium partners, AIRlabs offers many unique infrastructures, in particular low-threshold access to various airspace restriction areas. It supports innovative projects such as the provision of training infrastructure for professional drone pilots. 

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