We’ve been writing about drones a bit lately, and for good reason. With the amount of drone and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) work being conducted in the region, we’re excited about this sector from the professional and personal standpoints.
Last week the Edmonton International Airport held the official launch for ‘Phase 2’ of their commercial drone project. I was very lucky to be invited to the launch and presentation.
Phase 2 is the implementation of two new features:
- Showcasing the Canary model as a replacement of the original Sparrow, and
- The addition of a new DroneSpot at the Montana First Nation medial clinic (Akamihk) in Leduc.
This new 11 km flight path will travel along existing train rail lines running on the east side of Highway 2 and connect YEG airport to the medical clinic DroneSpot. The upgraded Canary model also has the ability to carry a 5kg payload and can now hover for up to 15 minutes along the length of the path. Other new attributes to the Canary model include an internal parachute and the latest in lithium battery technologies.
As the first airport in Canada to utilize drone logistics, YEG has developed deep-rooted partnerships with key drone sector entities that have already developed new innovations. As an incredibly innovative airport, I have no doubts that YEG will grow to become the Canadian, if not North American, mecca for drone and UAV research & innovation.
Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) is a key partner in the drone delivery operations program, as DDC is the hardware and software provider for the drones themselves. The DDC drones that operate on YEG grounds also have their operations centre located in the greater Toronto area out of a DDC office. This showcases not only the technological advancements in commercial drone development, but also the importance of connectivity behind cutting-edge innovation and management.
Our worlds are no longer limited by what we can reasonably reach by foot or vehicle anymore. With the power of a full computer in the grasp of our hands with satellite connectivity, nearly anything across the globe can be accessible from our fingertips. Although a pizza delivery by drone likely won’t be here for a while to come (see our previous drone post), it is possible it can be here sooner than we realize.
As a regulatory professional, I am very excited to see:
- What type of regulatory framework will be developed to manage new forms of air traffic,
- Who will emerge as pillar entities for the UAV sector,
- The progression from commercial to residential drone delivery, and
- How first- and last-mile delivery via drone will change the landscape of traffic and travel in my immediate vicinity.
We would love to hear what your thoughts are about how drone delivery may shape and/or change your life. If you operate in the sector or want to get involved, talk to us today.
