UK insurer direct line has partnered with drone experts to create a prototype fleet of flying torch drones that are responsive to an individual’s movements and controlled via a bespoke app. Designed to provide illumination where street lights are lacking, the fleetlights mobile app allows you to summon a drone and set your journey using your gps location — be it walking from the train station after a late shift or the last few miles of a night time drive on unforgiving country lanes.
This technology represents the first time a fleet of drones is able to respond to a subject on the ground via new ‘rover’ technology. This software not only introduces new capabilities, it also allows a dispatcher to be contacted via the fleetlights app in real-time and then dispatch the fleet on planned, way pointed missions, driven by the user.
This advanced software is also the first time the ‘light my way’ functionality — which sets and maintains a fixed distance ahead of a subject, rather than behind — has been used with a swarm of drones as a brand utility. Requesting a fleetlight is as simple and intuitive as ordering a taxi and communication can be made in real-time between fleet control and your smartphone.
Futurologist Dr Ian Pearson comments, ‘this ground-breaking prototype technology could serve a really positive purpose in the future – providing a safer, more efficient way to light both individuals and organisations. From local councils, search & rescue teams and the emergency services right through to local cycling and running clubs, the usages are endless and I can see this being commonplace by 2021.’
architectmagazine