We aim to put the UK at the forefront of the small advanced civilian UAV market by
developing a UAV that can be deployed immediately on arrival at a site and flown safely with
minimal fuss and no training. Our technology is based around using virtual or physical tethers,
providing control, safety and simplicity in use.
The civilian UAV market is set to expand dramatically globally, with the convergence of
multiple technologies and demand stimulated by the massive increase in UAV use by the
military. Civilian uses include surveying, conservation, film and television, agriculture,
policing and many others.
The market is currently constrained by aviation rules, but in many countries these rules are
being reviewed with a view to allowing civilian UAVs. In addition, the physically tethered
version of our technology may not be covered by most aviation restrictions currently in place.
Falling from height is the most common cause of fatalities at work, with 40 deaths in the UK
in 2011/12 and 374,000 working days lost.. Using UAVs to inspect high structures such as
bridges, wind turbines, chimneys and roofs could remove the need for tens of thousands of
risky operations per year.
UAVs could revolutionise such activities as conservation - surveying populations of birds and
animals, inspecting habitats and assessing forestry or monitoring agricultural and fishing
practices.
One of the key barriers to these uses for UAVs is ease of operation - many UAVs require
significant flying skills. Others require complex equipment in the field, or for communications
and control.
In addition, safety is paramount and has not typically been the highest priority for UAVs - for
example, in military use, the safety considerations are very different to those in civilian use.
The outcome of this project will be an easy to use, safe UAV technology ready to be used by
specific markets in the UK and abroad.