The widespread use of drones, while providing convenient and efficient services, also presents numerous safety risks. Due to the immaturity of early drone technology, crashes were numerous, leading to the term "drone crash." Early drone users were primarily professional, primarily model aircraft enthusiasts, drone companies, or aircraft R&D institutions. The relatively small user base, coupled with users' awareness of flight safety, kept the occurrence of "drone crashes" manageable and acceptable.
The maturity of drone technology has led to an increasing number of non-professional users and organizations employing drones for more complex missions. Many of these pilots have no experience flying model aircraft or drones, and most often receive simple flight training from drone manufacturers or flight training institutions. With highly sophisticated flight control systems, controlling a multi-rotor drone is as easy as controlling a toy, allowing even the average person to quickly master the controls.
However, drones are not toys. While in flight, they are significantly affected by the external environment. Airflow, GPS signals, and electromagnetic interference all play a crucial role in drone flight safety. Invisible changes in airflow, air pressure, and electromagnetic interference can cause a drone to lose control and crash.
Drones are composed of multiple systems: the flight control system and the powertrain. The flight control system relies on multiple sensors to provide information for control, while the powertrain includes batteries, motors, electronic speed controllers, and propellers. Failure in any of these systems can cause a drone crash. The hazards and impacts of a drone crash can vary. Small consumer drones for aerial photography, limited by weight and size, pose a relatively minor threat. However, industrial drones for industrial applications are larger and heavier, and the potential harm from a crash is significant.
A drone crash caused by an industrial drone flying over crowded areas or urban areas poses a significant threat to people and property on the ground. Impacts on vehicles and personnel can cause fatal injuries. A crash caused by a medium or large drone can also pose a threat to buildings. A drone crash caused by a drone flying over forests or open fields, while out of reach of people, poses a significant threat. Most drones today use lithium batteries as their power source, and a rupture or short circuit in a crash can easily cause a fire, potentially sparking a forest fire.
Compared to the direct damage caused by drone crashes, the collateral effects are even more significant. Public safety incidents caused by drone crashes can lead to a lack of confidence in drone safety, negatively impacting the entire drone industry and its future use.
Recently, the Swiss Safety Investigation Board halted the operation of the Matternet One, a logistics drone developed in collaboration between Swiss Post and Silicon Valley startup Matternet, after two crashes.
Improving drone safety and restoring public confidence in the drones flying overhead is imperative and urgent. Drone emergency parachute systems are designed to address this issue, providing a final layer of safety for drones.
Drone emergency deceleration and descent systems not only mitigate the damage caused by a crash, but also minimize the damage to the drone itself, providing a safe haven above our heads!
