Why counter-drone technology is important
The
main reason the MAVLab organises this event is a societal one. “At the
MAVLab we conduct a lot of research on drones”, Remes says. “We believe
they will be strongly integrated in society. Think of drones that
deliver packages, drones that inspect the land of farmers. All these
kinds of drones will show up.”
“But in order to make sure that society accepts drones flying around, we must ensure there will be places where drones aren’t allowed”, he continues. For example, when a building is on fire, you don’t want any drones flying around so to make sure a police or ambulance helicopter can land safely. Or think of airports: you don’t want drones flying around planes that take off or land. That’s why you need counter-drone technology.
"In order to make sure that society accepts drones flying around, we must ensure there will be places where drones aren’t allowed"
Counter-drone coalition
To
achieve this it is important to involve other stakeholders as well.
Remes set up a ‘counter-drone coalition’, in which government agencies,
companies and end-users come together to discuss current developments on
drones. DroneClash is part of this agenda. The ministry of Justice and Security is a partner of the event, as well as the National Police.
ClashExpo
On a corporate level, the number of companies working on counter-drone
technology is ‘exploding’, Remes says. Not without reason, DroneClash is
a side event of TUS Expo and visitors can visit the ClashExpo as well, where companies will showcase their latest anti-drone measures and give live demos.
The MAVLab does not yet do fundamental research on counter-drone technology. Remes hopes to get funding for it out of DroneClash. “We already do a lot of research on ‘sense and avoid’, whereby drones have to fly around obstacles”, he states. “Basically, counter-drone technology is reversing this: instead of avoiding obstacles you try to grab them.”
Unmanned Valley Valkenburg
DroneClash and the ClashExpo take place at Unmanned Valley Valkenburg. This former air base near The Hague is currently being transformed into a testing ground for drones and unmanned vehicles.