Students who are experts in unmanned aircraft systems are teaming up with the police to solve crime.
This year, 14 university teams from across Canada have been summoned by the Manitoba RCMP to provide unmanned aircraft system (UAS) support in a crime scene investigation. This 10th annual challenge is a “made in Canada” simulated beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) exercise. First time competitors from Queens University will add excitement and new input to this competition.
UAS are currently used by law enforcement personnel for a variety of tasks such as traffic accident scene reconstruction, search-and-rescue, and crime scene and event monitoring.
Law enforcement has been called to the scene of a suspected drug dealing bike gang operation, believed to be armed and hiding in a remote farm building. Officers are reluctant to approach the house, which has no protected avenue of approach without a good understanding of the threat.
Each UAS “company” will be required to conduct surveillance of the property, to deliver a remote listening device to a location on the property based on results of the surveillance, and to search a large area adjacent to the property for vital pieces of evidence.
The competition is designed to attract both fixed- and rotary-wing UAS.
Will one platform have an advantage? Will there be a unique solution?
Each year, the bar is raised to attract first-class teams with innovative ideas, thanks to the enthusiasm and support from past sponsors. This world-class event provides opportunities for the best and brightest to display leadership, problem solving and team work all in a stressful competitive environment — a real-life job interview.
Results have paid off as a number of UAS competitors have been hired by a sponsoring company.
Once again, Southport, Manitoba, will open its doors to host the competition May 4 to 6, 2018. This thriving community, one hour west of Winnipeg, features an airport, large hangar space and group accommodation that promotes late night discussions and collaborating on ideas.
The competition is designed and judged by a dedicated group of Unmanned Systems Canada experts, and supported by local volunteers and industry sponsors. Through various student activities, the association is helping to foster greater success in the future of Canadian UAS industry.
Further details and sponsorship opportunities can be found here.
