Unmanned systems in general and UAVs in particular have transformed the field of natural disaster response, providing rapid, secure, and efficient assessments of disaster-affected areas, making them an indispensable tool in modern emergency management operations.
Current drones feature remarkable advancements in disaster management. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, and sophisticated sensors, these aircraft offer a comprehensive view of disaster-stricken areas.
These drones played a crucial role in monitoring the 2017 California wildfires, assisting evacuation efforts, and significantly contributing to damage assessment and rescue operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.
The addition of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to unmanned systems constitutes a revolution in disaster response. AI-powered drones can autonomously navigate disaster areas, identify survivors, and analyze structural damages in real time.
Moreover, the new concept of collective drones or drone swarms, promises to provide a solution that covers larger areas more quickly, enhancing the efficiency of disaster response.
While some critical technological challenges still limit the use of drones such as battery life, capacity, and payload, ongoing research in battery technology and lightweight materials promises solutions to these issues.
However, regulatory challenges related to individual privacy and responsible use of this technology persist.
Looking to the future, emerging research and technologies in this field show promising possibilities. Such research would provide a useful overview of these innovations and how they can contribute to improving disaster response in the future.
