dronelife

Public Flight Showcases Personal Air Mobility at Osaka’s Smart Mobility Expo LIFT Aircraft Takes Flight in Osaka LIFT Aircraft marked a major milestone this week with a public demonstration of its HEXA aircraft at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. The HEXA flight at World Expo 2025 took place at the specially built “EXPO […] The post LIFT Aircraft Demonstrates HEXA eVTOL at World Expo 2025 appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

AS-DT1 Offers Accurate 3D Measurement in a Compact, Lightweight Design for Drones, Robotics, and More Sony Unveils AS-DT1 Miniature LiDAR Sensor Sony Electronics has announced the AS-DT1, a compact and lightweight LiDAR depth sensor designed for precise 3D measurement. Measuring only 29mm x 29mm x 31mm and weighing 50 grams, the AS-DT1 is now the […] The post Sony Launches World’s Smallest and Lightest Precision LiDAR Sensor appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

News and Commentary. The Drone Integration and Zoning Act (S.1249), currently under consideration in the U.S. Senate, is raising significant concerns across the commercial drone industry. The bill – another reboot of the Drone Federalism Act first introduced in 2017, and the bill of the same name first introduced in 2019 – would fundamentally shift […] The post Proposed Drone Integration and Zoning Act (S.1249): Still a Bad Idea appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

New Update Offers Greater Flexibility for Photogrammetry and LiDAR Workflows SimActive Inc., a leading developer of photogrammetry software, has released Version 10.4 of its Correlator3D platform. This new version gives users more control over 3D model creation, with advanced tools for both photogrammetry and LiDAR data. Full Control for Diverse Workflows Correlator3D Version 10.4 introduces […] The post SimActive Releases Correlator3D Version 10.4 with Enhanced 3D Model Controls appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

China’s recent decision to restrict exports of key rare earth elements is set to create new challenges for the U.S. drone industry, adding to the complications already caused by tariffs. These export controls target materials essential for manufacturing the high-performance magnets and batteries that power commercial drones, raising concerns about supply chain stability and production […] The post China’s Rare Earth Export Restrictions: What They Mean for the U.S. Drone Industry appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Collaboration brings advanced UAS expertise and strategic insight to support WarrenUAS research, training, and program growth Warren County Community College’s WarrenUAS program, known for its strength in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) training and research, has announced a new partnership with The Tactien Group LLC. The collaboration brings aviation strategy expertise to WarrenUAS and deepens the […] The post WarrenUAS Expands Industry Reach Through New Partnership with The Tactien Group appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in drone technology is being heralded as a transformative milestone, akin to the “Internet Moment” for personal computers. Just as the internet revolutionized how computers were used, AI is redefining the capabilities and applications of drones across both commercial and military sectors. By enabling drones to operate autonomously, process […] The post Is the Development of AI the Internet Moment for Drones? appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

New initiative focuses on passive drone detection in coastal and maritime environments The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE) have launched a major testing initiative to evaluate passive drone detection systems. The Cape May Ferry UAS Detect, Track and Identify Test Event, taking place from […] The post FAA and ASSURE Launch UAS Detection Tests at Cape May Ferry Terminal appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

University of Alaska Fairbanks mission tests remote gas sampling system at Costa Rica’s Poás volcano In early March, a team from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) used drones to collect gas samples from the crater of Poás volcano in Costa Rica. Their mission, led by research assistant professor Társilo Girona, aimed to make volcano […] The post Alaskan Drone Team Enters Active Volcano to Advance Safer Research Methods appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Networking at industry events doesn’t always happen on the conference floor—and AUVSI Lone Star is proving just that with their exciting XPO Rodeo. This official kickoff event for XPONENTIAL 2025 promises an unforgettable evening of networking, entertainment, and Texas-style fun. Mark your calendars for Monday, May 19th, from 7–10 PM CDT at The Rustic in […] The post Kick Off XPONENTIAL 2025 with AUVSI Lone Star’s XPO Rodeo in Houston! appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Frankfurt to Host Global Leaders in Mapping, UAV Innovation, and Smart City Solutions This October by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb INTERGEO, the world’s leading trade fair for geodesy, geoinformation, and land management, recently announced that ticket sales had begun for their flagship gathering to be held this October in Frankfurt Am Main. According […] The post INTERGEO 2025 Opens Registration for World’s Largest Geospatial Tech Event appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Canadian Drone Company Selected as Preferred UAS Provider for Explosive Threat Mitigation in Ukraine and Beyond by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb Saskatchewan-based drone solutions developer Draganfly Inc. recently announced that it was selected by SafeLane Global Ltd. (“SafeLane”) as its preferred unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and aerial survey provider. SafeLane, a world-renowned specialist […] The post Draganfly Partners with SafeLane to Support Global Landmine Clearance Efforts appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Texas school districts investigating UAV security, but not armed drones By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill Several Texas school districts are considering adopting a program being promoted by an Austin-based security company, that would employ drones to respond to potential threats such as an active shooter on campus. However, neither of the two school districts […] The post What Do Texas Schools Think About Armed Drones for Security? appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

14 Global Teams to Compete in AI-Powered Aerial Challenges for $1 Million Prize Pool at ADNEC Marina Hall by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) and the Drone Champions League (DCL) recently announced that the Autonomous Drone Championship Finale will be held April 11-12, 2025, at ADNEC Marina […] The post Autonomous Drone Racing Heats Up: A2RL X DCL Championship Finale Set for Abu Dhabi This Weekend! appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

First look at Japan’s SKYDRIVE aircraft as company targets commercial flight in 2025 SkyDrive’s SD-05 Takes Flight at Expo 2025 Vertiport SkyDrive Inc., a Japanese eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft developer, successfully conducted a public demonstration flight of its SKYDRIVE SD-05 aircraft on April 9, 2025. The event took place during the Media […] The post SkyDrive Showcases Public Flight of SD-05 eVTOL at Osaka-Kansai Expo appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

In early 2025, Congress passed a continuing resolution to keep the U.S. government funded. But what does that mean for the drone industry? In this episode, Dawn Zoldi breaks it down—especially for companies working in autonomy, robotics, drones, and AI technologies for defense. Listen here: Drone Radio Show · Funding the Future: How the 2025 […] The post Funding the Future: How the 2025 CR Impacts Drones, Autonomy, and AI on the Drone Radio Show appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

RAI Amsterdam to Host Europe’s Premier Industrial Drone Event on April 22-23, 2026 The European drone market is experiencing remarkable growth, fueled by increasing adoption of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) across industries such as construction, energy, agriculture, and public safety. To meet this demand, Diversified Communications has announced the launch of the Commercial UAV Forum, […] The post Commercial UAV Forum 2026: A New Opportunity for Europe’s Growing Drone Industry appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

How Malware-Equipped Drones Are Shaping Modern Conflict—and What It Means for Global Drone Security Concern Ukraine’s use of malware-equipped drones to sabotage captured Russian systems highlights a new frontier in cyber-physical warfare—a tactic that underscores broader global concerns about drone security. Ukrainian forces have embedded malware in their drones to disrupt Russian attempts to reuse […] The post Ukraine’s Trojan Horse Drones: A New Frontier in Cyber Warfare appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

AI-powered drone system reduces inspection time from 2 hours to 17 minutes, offering a safer, faster solution for subterranean infrastructure projects by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb This article published in collaboration with JUIDA, the Japanese UAS Industrial Development Association. Japanese firm Toda Construction Co. has developed an innovative new application for UAVs- not […] The post Drones Go Underground: Japan’s Toda Construction Uses UAVs to Inspect Tunnel Faces appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Part of the SESAR 3 ENSURE initiative, Unifly helps connect drone traffic management with traditional air traffic control. Unifly, a leading provider of drone traffic management systems and a group company of Terra Drone Corporation, is now part of a major European airspace project. The ENSURE project, led by the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking, is […] The post Unifly Joins European Project to Improve Airspace Integration for Drones and Aircraft appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Mesquite residents can now get thousands of products delivered by drone in 30 minutes or less A new chapter in home delivery officially began this week as Walmart and Zipline launched autonomous drone delivery service from the Walmart Supercenter in Mesquite, Texas. The program gives customers in East Dallas County fast, free delivery of over […] The post Walmart and Zipline Launch Drone Delivery in Dallas Suburb (Check Out the Video!) appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

MassDOT tests could pave way for drone medical delivery in state By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) recently completed a series of tests to demonstrate the ability of drones to safely deliver medical supplies in areas across the Commonwealth. The tests, which took place between August and October of […] The post Massachusetts Explores the Future of Healthcare Logistics with Drone Delivery Trials appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Strategic alliance with Motorola Solutions aims to speed adoption of 911 response drones across public safety agencies BRINC, a U.S.-based drone manufacturer focused on emergency response, has announced $75 million in new funding. The investment will help BRINC grow its team, increase drone production, and develop new technologies. The round was led by Index Ventures, […] The post BRINC Raises $75 Million to Expand Emergency Drone Production appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Public invited to Lynn’s MassAutonomy Test Site for hands-on demos, safety tips, and a closer look at how drones support transportation infrastructure in Massachusetts. by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb To celebrate the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) annual Drone Safety Day, the Aeronautics Division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT Aeronautics) announced that […] The post MassDOT Aeronautics Hosts Drone Safety Day Event to Showcase Innovation and Promote Safe Flying appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

SpiderOak provides zero-trust solutions to protect drone data By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill As the number of UAVs flown for a wide variety of purposes grows, drone fleet operators are becoming increasingly concerned over the need to protect their data from malicious actors who might want to steal it, as well as protecting their […] The post Zero Trust Takes Flight: SpiderOak’s Cybersecurity Platform Shields Drone Data from Spoofing and Theft appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article