It’s been a busy year for drone-related articles from your’s truly. But that’s only because there’s a lot to talk about- and it’s far from over as drone technology gains a bigger foothold in the practical world. In this piece, I’ll hit on a somewhat disjointed list of drone-related points, and then review what else we’ve looked at on the subject to date here at wirednot.
- Berkeley Varitronics Systems (BVS) has been in the wireless tools/security game for a long time (they pre-date many of the bigger names in this space.) The company is takng a page out of Fluke Networks’ playbook and describing how their Yellowjacket tool can help you track down an intruding drone and it’s operator. Check out the video:
- Amazon is demanding that the FAA accommodate the company’s desire to test drones for package delivery, under the threat of taking their efforts overseas. I don’t like Gizmodo’s characterization of Amazon as throwing a tantrum on the issue, but they do a decent job of telling the story here. (Hint for the FAA- Amazon may be researching more than package delivery- it would suck to see this kind of innovation and research leave the US.)
- One company that is making a go at profitable use of drone technology is Aeryon Labs, Inc. With military, public safety, and commercial applications, Aeryon is a fascinating example of how drones can be used in a number of real-life use cases. Give their site a look and you’ll find your imagination getting quite piqued as you just know that this is just the start of bigger things for similar companies in the future.
- One of my children is soon to graduate high school, and is considering going to college at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (my own alma mater). What does this have to do with drones? It just so happens that ERAU has a major in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Science. And when you graduate, there are jobs out there…
It should be obvious that the drone paradigm will continue to gain in both magnitude and dimension. There will certainly be more to talk about in the coming months, but here’s my drone year in review:
Network Computing Magazine
Drones- the Next WLAN Menace
Drones Take On Cell Tower Maintenance
Wirednot
Fluke Networks Enables Drone-Centric Tower Operations
A Bit More About Drones, Wi-Fi, and Beyond
Others of Interest
Hak5 is doing a lot with drones
Adam Conway at Aerohive Networks is also doing a lot with drones
Am I the only one in the WLAN community thinking this is just fascinating tech to follow? Please let me know of any other IT-related or otherwise significant drone happenings.
Thanks for reading!
wirednot 
Now, if that Yellowjacket device included a directed energy generator, or even a surface-to-air guidance system, we’d really have something. 🙂
On a serious note, it’s hard to imagine all of the applications for drone technology that are just around the corner.
Your blog is always a good read, Lee. Keep up the good work!
Best,
John
Thanks for the comment, John. I have to imagine that people are working on various countermeasures, but those aren’t going to hit the mainstream media!
-Lee
Hey guys, have you heard about Lehmann Aviation ? I’ve seen a lot of reviews and comments on drones but not that much about them. Appears that they seem to have really nice product for a lower price than the average market.
Thanks for the info, Darren. Lehmann Aviation new to me, but does look fairly well established http://www.lehmannaviation.com I’ll have to learn more about them.