taken from http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-10-23/aid-groups-are-using-drones-to-save-lives#r=nav-f-story
Rigi’s drone that drops life preservers
Since their creation, autonomous and remote controlled drones (like UAVs and PRAs) have been used as tools of surveillance as well as violence. They are known for being a weapon employed in feuds that has become increasingly popular as it insures and promotes safety of pilots. The following article discusses Amin Rigi’s belief that “drones should be used to save lives, not spy or kill”, his innovation and the vast capabilities that drones possess for the greater good. According to the article, Rigi is “launching RTS London to manufacture flying robots that drop life preservers to drowning people”(Leiber). In addition, in the past, UAVs have been experimented with by organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, the UN as well as, WHO in hopes of preventing poaching, finding survivors of natural disasters and other humanitarian tasks (Leiber).
Will this work?
Like any other technological advancement, I believe that the use of drones for humanitarian purposes will definitely revolutionize the ways in which we can preform tasks with the focus of peace and safety. Especially since the technology is still, as the article put it, in “its shiny object phase”, in other words, not still fully developed and can be improved upon. There are many hurdles that must be overcome. First of all, the possible negative stigma behind drones would have to be reduced. As the product would be sold commercially it is important to distinguish military drones from the ones being sold for safety reasons. However They will also need to be able to ensure the public that privacy standards will be maintained. The main reason why I think it would work is because the product is creating a new market segment by simply redefining an existing version of itself.
Works Cited:
Leiber, Nick. “Using Drones to Make Peace, Not War.” Bloomberg Business Week. Bloomberg, 23 Oct. 2014. Web. 08 Nov. 2014. <http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-10-23/aid-groups-are-using-drones-to-save- lives#r=nav-f-story>.