Drones

A government investigation has kicked off in New Jersey after recent reports of what news outlets are calling “mysterious” drone sightings in multiple states.

More than seven months after Manatee County, Fla., launched a pilot program for a drone that can quickly respond to medical emergencies, 911 dispatchers have yet to use it.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, along with researchers from other universities and industry partners, will co-develop an advanced simulation platform between ground and air transport systems.

A high school in Colorado next year will start offering a course in unmanned aerial systems, with the high school providing an in-person flight teacher and Aims Community College leading an online, ground-school course.

A community college in Southern California will offer a bachelor’s degree in drone and autonomous systems starting in 2026, aiming to prepare a workforce to use new technologies and applications of unmanned aircrafts.

Purchased over the summer, the three devices arrived recently, and three department officials are training to fly them. The unmanned aerial vehicles will likely be used at fires, during floods and to inspect hazardous buildings. They could gather intelligence during large fires.

A Government Technology data analysis of the Chula Vista, Calif., police department’s six-year groundbreaking drone-as-first-responder program reveals impacts on response times, officer safety and citizen privacy.

Hands-on learning experiences with technology, such as robotics kits, 3D printers and programmable drones, could become increasingly important for students as future jobs require collaboration with emerging technologies.

The Drone as First Responder program, piloted earlier this year, is now operational in five command areas of the New York City Police Department. The devices are intended to assist police in responding to shots-fired calls, robberies and other crimes.

The company will field test its fully autonomous drone delivery service in the city, which it has designated an “innovation hub.” City Council members have approved new zoning laws, affording some control over drone activity.

In an initiative piloted last year and made permanent in June, the New York Police Department uses drones after school to track four aboveground subway lines and alert officers if a person is spotted. Six people have died this year trying to ride on the outside of trains.

The public safety tech firm, which sells license plate readers and other tools, has bought Aerodome, which specializes in making drones useful for law enforcement. Flock Safety has big drone plans for the upcoming year.

In addition to teaching students and professionals about the drone industry, Sinclair Community College in Ohio does consulting and research for equipment manufacturers in France, Switzerland, the UK and elsewhere.

The city’s Chamber of Commerce will host the session this week, examining using the unmanned aircraft to deliver medical supplies and vital health-care services. The endeavor will include partners in health-care and education.

Starting this fall season, Washington will use drone technology to monitor the local seal and sea lion populations, the state's Department of Fish and Wildlife announced last month.

The Central New York region has become unmatched compared to other areas in the country when it comes to drone technology and integration, local officials say.

At Lakeside High School in Ashtabula, Ohio, students in a new drone class were able to earn official drone operator certificates. Faculty hope the class will prepare them for a variety of career opportunities.

Drones could someday deliver life-saving medical supplies to injured persons across Cambria County, Pa., and potentially even transport them to hospitals if need be.