Specifically, Alexander notes that a major task originally planned for the ADoD app was drone delivery services for light packages, medicines and prescriptions, even human organs and tissues. However, the airspace, as regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has not yet approved this activity through the creation of the necessary flyways and channels required to fulfill it.
"As we have seen from the recent closing of both the Verizon Skyward and Amazon Prime Air drone delivery business lines, no one can predict how long this approval process will take," adds Alexander.
Besides the pandemic, Alexander points out that there are still many public misconceptions about drones regarding privacy, thus creating further delays in broader acceptance of the technology. Commercial drones that are supported by an artificial intelligence (AI) platform can perform a wide array of activities in ways that are safer, more efficient and more cost effective. AD has already built a platform for such applications.
Alexander highlights that the new ADoD app takes a "crawl-walk-run approach", and readily offers many semi-autonomous operations that don't involve surveillance or raise privacy concerns from consumers. For example, some of the available services on the ADoD app for businesses and consumers, include:
"This is truly the tip of the iceberg as more B2B, B2C and even Business to Industry (B2I) activities are realized," said Alexander. "In fact, we plan on using the app to learn what the demand is for certain drone activities and where those requests are originating so that we can identify and mobilize our tech and personnel resources i.e., specialized drone services providers, to complete the particular missions."
As such, Alexander notes that one of the main functions of the ADoD app is to aggregate job requests, which then stimulates the drone employment market where people can get into drone services as a career. "Essentially, we are creating both a demand for emerging drone services, as well as a supply of drone operators to fulfill them, thus fostering a powerful workforce development cycle," adds Alexander.
In fact, AD's proprietary Flight to the Future program (F2F) was launched during the pandemic as an employment opportunity for those interested in becoming certified drone pilots and individual business owners. Within six months, students of the online, interactive program learn how to utilize drone and cloud technology safely and effectively - embedded with Artificial Intelligence (AI) in daily missions. Besides earning their FAA Part 107 commercial drone pilot certification, F2F program participants are immersed in cloud computing, AI, the Internet of Things (IoT) and other technologies transforming the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry. Instructor guided one-on-one flight training and industry specialization culminates the course.
Alexander notes that the current pool of approximately 1,500 F2F students can make an easy transition to become DSPs for tasks ordered by customers of the ADoD app. For more information on the F2F program visit: http://www.flighttothefuture.com. If you are a current drone pilot seeking to become part of the ADoD provider network, simply email us at [email protected].
Besides offering a streamlined drone services ordering system and a comprehensive drone pilot training course, AD also provides drone insurance for all missions. "At their basic core, drones are miniature flying aircraft and thus, safety is always our #1 concern," adds Alexander. "One bad move and an amateur pilot could be looking at hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage, or a full drone replacement."
Additionally, AD supplies three of its own, advanced drone models - the Spartacus Hercules, Spartacus MAX and Spartacus Hurricane for operators and business owners looking to build up their inventory of equipment and assets. The company offers aggressive and flexible financing with the best terms in the industry, as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for continued upkeep and safety protocols."
"The ADoD app is really the entry point into our company's entire ecosystem of drone products, offerings and services," adds Alexander. "We envision a world in which full value of commercial drone applications can be ushered into society to help save lives, increase efficiencies, reduce costs, and drive sustainability. We believe in accomplishing these ends in a manner that is ethical and responsible. AD is excited to help make that vision a reality across our nation."
Future versions of the ADoD app will be released in line with the overall UAV industry especially as autonomous drone use develops. Plans include voice-activated commands, live interfaces between the user and the drone during flight, and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted object recognition. Download the ADoD app today.