Drone News Roundup: Shark Warning for Surfer, Sky Elements’ July 4 Drone Show, and More!

This week we’re covering a drone pilot warning a surfer about a shark swimming beneath him.

We’re also covering Sky Elements’ massive Fourth of July drone light show, how drones supported disaster response after the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, a drone-based method for predicting potato yields, and a new initiative bringing drone education to HBCUs.

Now on to the links!

Drone Pilot Warns Surfer about Shark

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by CORFINO PHOTOGRAPHY (@corfino_photography)

Drone pilot and photographer Nick Bertocchini recently used his drone to warn a surfer about a shark circling under him. In the video, we see the surfer sitting on his board as a shape emerges underwater—a shape we soon realize is a shark, which begins circling the surfer. Bertocchini alerted the surfer by revving his drone’s motors. The incident took place off the coast of Santa Cruz, where sharks are a fairly common presence.

LEARN MORE

Sky Elements Puts On Massive Fourth of July Drone Light Show

Sky Elements celebrated Independence Day with one of its most ambitious drone shows yet, combining live fireworks with a drone light show featuring patriotic images and animations specific to Irving, Texas, where the show took place. The Texas-based company has become one of the world’s leading drone light show providers, and this 4th of July show was just one more example of how it continues to push the scale and complexity of its performances.

LEARN MORE

Drones Help Disaster Response Teams After Earthquakes in Venezuela

The twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 were among the most devastating in the country’s history. The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes killed an estimated 1,400 to 1,500 people, with thousands more injured and tens of thousands reported missing.

In a disaster of this scale, speed matters. Instead of relying entirely on ground inspections in areas where roads and infrastructure had been badly damaged, drones allowed teams to quickly collect detailed aerial data and create digital twin models of critical bridges for engineers to assess.

Here’s how drones supported rescue and recovery efforts:

• Finding survivors. Using thermal cameras to detect heat signatures, search hard-to-reach rubble, and guide rescue teams.
• Delivering emergency supplies. Carrying medical supplies, water purification tablets, and communication devices into areas cut off by damaged roads and bridges.
• Inspecting damaged infrastructure. Creating 3D models of buildings and critical infrastructure to help engineers assess damage and determine whether structures are safe to enter.
• Detecting environmental hazards. Using specialized sensors to identify gas leaks, chemical spills, fires, and landslides without putting responders in danger.

LEARN MORE

Researchers Use Drones to Predict Potato Yields Before Harvest

Credit: The University of Tokyo

Researchers from the University of Tokyo and Kubota Corporation have developed a new method for estimating potato yields using drones equipped with multispectral cameras. By combining aerial imagery with machine learning and a crop growth model, the system can predict crop yields before harvest without digging up any potatoes.

Drones have been used to estimate crop yields before, but potatoes are harder to predict because they grow underground. Accurately predicting crop yields before harvest can be incredibly valuable. Based on early results, this new drone-based prediction method could help growers choose the right time to harvest, make better decisions about how they manage their crops, and use resources more efficiently.

LEARN MORE

New Initiative Brings Drone Education to HBCUs

Credit: TCB Drones

A new national initiative aims to expand access to drone education and aviation career pathways at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Called the National HBCU Aviation and Drone Leadership Initiative, it was created by drone educator Dr. Tiffany Releford. The initiative will work with HBCUs to help students gain hands-on drone experience while building skills for careers in aviation, robotics, public safety, agriculture, and other growing fields. Organizers say the program is designed to help create stronger pathways into the drone industry while increasing representation in the future aviation workforce.

LEARN MORE

Make sure to sign up for our free weekly newsletter using the button below so you can get our weekly newsletter every Saturday, with this roundup and our other featured stories from the week.