Can a drone make you a better golfer? If you ask that question of today’s guest, he’d say not only can it make you a better golfer, but it can also grow a golf course business.
Dave Hovasse is founder of OhWowGolf, a Colorado Springs based business that uses drones to create augumented reality representations of the standard golf yardage books. On this edition of the Drone Radio Show, we’ll learn about Oh Wow Golf, how Dave is building a business around drones and augmented reality systems and we’ll also hear how Oh Wow Golf is plans to support wounded veterans via new economic opportunities.
Are we ready for true autonomous aerial vehicles?
That’s one of the questions we’ll explore on today’s show.
Arial Avitan is the Chief Commercial Officer for Percepto, an Israeli based company that develops hardware and software that enables drones to fly and perform tasks autonomously. Their boards use computer vision software and several sensors to give drones the ability to perform complex flight and commercial tasks in a more accurate, safe and effective way. On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Arial talks about Percepto, their innovative products and the work they are doing in creating fully autonomous drones for the commercial sector.
Anil Nanduri is Vice President in the New Technology Group and General Manager of the UAV segment at Intel Corporation. He is responsible for establishing Intel’s unmanned aviation systems business and pursuing opportunities for growth in this segment. This group has been developing innovative new applications for drone technology. On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Anil talks about Intel’s entry into the drone industry, some of the products and technologies that Intel is working on and he’ll provide some insights into where the industry is headed.
Have you wondered what role Cities have in advancing the drone industry?
If you ask that question of today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show, she would say, cities will play a critical role in promoting innovation and public safety.
Nicole DuPuis is a Senior Associate at the National League of Cities, a Washington, D.C. based organization dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. Working in partnership with the 49 state municipal leagues, NLC serves as a resource to and an advocate for the more than 19,000 cities, villages and towns it represents.
Recently, the NLC released a report for its members on drones, aptly titled, “Cities and Drones – What Cities Need To Know About Unmanned Aerial Vehicles”. With Part 107 now in effect and the drone industry poised to expand, communities are sure to see a rise in drone use, and potentially new concerns over safety and privacy. Cities and Drones is a primer on drones for local officials, providing insight into the Part 107, as well as offering suggestions for how local governments can craft drone ordinances to encourage innovation while also protecting their cities.
Nicole is the principle author of the report and in this episode of the Drone Radio Show, she talks about its findings and recommendations and how cities and members of the drone industry can work together to craft sensible solutions that provide benefit to all.
Craig Marcinkowski is Director of Strategy and Business Development for Gryphon Sensors. Gryphon Sensors develops sensor systems that detect, track and identify small unmanned UAS. Leveraging six decades of expertise in radar and electronic surveillance sensor research and development from parent company SRC Inc., the company provides innovative multi-spectrum solutions in the drone security and UAS integration markets. In this special podcast from InterDrone 2016, Craig talks about the new solutions for detecting drones and how these solutions are being used to integrate drones into the national airspace safely.
Can drones be used to save endangered wildlife from poachers?
If you asked that question of today’s guest, he’d say, it’s already happening. John Petersen is an aviator, author, professional futurist and chairman of the Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation. At the Lindbergh Foundation, he led the launch of their Air Shepherd Initiative, which funds and helps to deploy drones across southern Africa to combat acute poaching of rhinos and elephants. As we’ll hear today from John, in the past few years, more than 100,000 elephants have been killed by poachers, and drones represent the most efficient tool to deter this practice.
At InterDrone, energy technology company, Intelligent Energy showcased a drone powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. Not only are fuel cells lightweight, but they can also power a drone for up to two hours - about six times longer than a normal battery – prompting many to ask, “Are Fuel Cells The Answer?”
In this InterDrone episode of the Drone Radio Show, we’ll hear from Julian Hughes, group business development director for Intelligent Energy’s Consumer Electronics Division. Intelligent Energy Holdings is an energy technology group which develops efficient and clean hydrogen fuel cell power systems for the global automotive, consumer electronics, distributed power and generation markets. Listen as Julian talks about a fuel cell that could revolutionize the drone industry.
Direct from InterDrone 2016, we hear from Jesse Clayton, head of Business Development for Autonomous Machines at Nvidia. Jesse has over 20 years of experience in technology spanning software, GPU computing, embedded systems, and aeronautics. His current focus is bringing advanced computer vision and deep learning solutions to autonomous machines and intelligent devices. At InterDrone, Jesse spoke on a panel on the Future of Chips and Sensors powering next-generation drones. In this segment of the Drone Radio Show, Jesse talks about Nvidia’s role in the autonomous vehicle industry.
Have you been looking for an easy way to connect with other drone racing pilots?
Today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show not only has a way to connect with other drone racers, but he’s developed a system to easily plan and manage drone racing events.
Pete Mauro is the CEO and founder of Drone Squad, a Los Angeles based drone racing startup. A mobile app developer himself, Pete created a mobile app that connects local pilots for fun and competition. On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Dave talks about the Drone Squad mobile app, how it works to connect pilots and manage drone racing events and what it’s like starting a new drone based mobile app company.
Have you been wondering how the recent collaboration between Measure and DJI will benefit commercial drone operators?
A few months ago, Measure, a US commercial drone operator and DJI, a leading manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles announced a partnership to pair UAV technology with operational expertise to support commercial enterprise customers.
Dave Bowen is Managing Director of Special Projects for Measure and leads innovative programs like the Measure-DJI joint venture. On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Dave talks about the partnership, how it works and the benefits to commercial drone operators. He will also give us an update on what’s happening at Measure, especially, the new program to award Measure Franchises to qualified applicants.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to start and operate a drone videography business?
Reese d’Aquin is a pilot, CEO and founder of Flying Home Productions, an Orlando based photography and video production company. He and his partner, Nick Feinsod have been business for two years, producing a variety of aerial drone services for weddings, special events, real estate, construction, sports, movie production and many other services. On this edition of the Drone Radio Show, Reese talks about what it’s like to start a new drone videography business, some of the typical ups and downs a start up faces and why he left a secure job in hopes of pursuing a passion with a drone.
Have you ever wondered how new products for drones are developed?
On this edition of the Drone Radio Show, we get a glimpse into that process by hearing from two LowePro Company product designers that recently developed a new line of drone carrying bags. Luis Quehl and Ian Hughes are recreational drone pilots and product designers at LowePro. What started as a hobby quickly turned into the quest to produce the newest line of travel bags. In this episode, they talk about the design process, how their interest in drones resulted in new product that others can use, and the unique features in the bags that drone users should appreciate.
On this first segment of “Stories of the Drone”, we hear from Jason Reagan, a communications professional with 18 years of combined experience in communications, news, marketing and information technology. Jason is a blogger and a self-proclaimed "geek evangelist" in the area of emerging tech and science. Jason works as a corporate communications director for a company in Boone, North Carolina and he’s a regular contributor to on-line magazine, Drone Life. On this edition of the Drone Radio Show, Jason talks about recent stories about drones and law enforcement, conservation, the drone deterrence industry, FAA enforcement and humanitarian use.
Could your UAS company benefit from a strategic alliance?
Steven Smith is President of Ultravance Corporation, a company that works with select UAS manufacturers and end-users helping them land new customers. He has played a pivotal role introducing 3D printing, 3D LCDs, and has worked for years with UAVs. Steve was the top sales engineer at four companies and has extensive experience working in the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. And that’s only part of his extensive technology experience. Recently Steve partnered with Mike Pick, CEO of the start-up SkyFallX to develop strategic partnerships to move the new company forward.
On this edition of the Drone Radio Show, Steve talks about his background in technology and the UAV industry and his role with SkyFallX as a strategic partner. He also talks about seeking other strategic partnerships to advance the company's mission. If you have a background in business or technology and interested in working with UAS companies and developing strategic partnerships, then Steve’s insights should be very valuable.
Have you ever thought about joining or starting a local drone racing club? Then you’re going to want to hear what today’s guest has to share.
Todd Wahl is a drone enthusiast and director of the Drone Racing Club in Atlanta. He’s been flying drones since 2005, helped form the Drone Racing Club and has been a actively involved in advancing the sport of drone racing. On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Todd talks about drone racing clubs, how they provide the structure and framework to introduce and nurture drone piloting skills and how clubs, like the DRC in Atlanta, have a positive impact in the education, sports and commercial industry.
You’ve heard the saying, “There’s and app for that?” Hang on to your seats, because you won’t believe what an app can do with a drone.
Pek PongPaet is the founder and managing partner of Impekable, a San Francisco Bay area full service digital studio specializing in mobile and web apps for a variety of technologies. Some of their 100+ clients include Google, Motorola, HP and Twilio. Earlier this year, Pek and his team demonstrated the use of Twilio’s API by developing a smart phone app that allows users to control a drone using a text chat room. On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Pek talks about that demonstration, the role of mobile apps in the drone industry and how apps could enable a whole new frontier of consumer opportunities.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to call a great drone race?
We’re in for a real treat on this edition of the Drone Radio Show, as we hear from one of best drone race commentators in the world today. Joe Skully is the race director and commentator for FPV Racing Events, a premier event company specializing in first person view race management and production. With a background of Rodeo and Motorsport Announcing spanning 13 States and 4 Provinces, Scully brings engaging commentary, sound effects and action soundtracks together in a polished style that entertains, educates and informs everyone from first-time spectators to seasoned participants. In this show, Joe talks about what makes a great drone racing event and what you should look for as a pilot or spectator when attending an FPV drone race.
What do you when you see your drone tumble and fall out of the sky?
Michael Pick is the CEO and founder of SkyFallX, a start –up company specializing in intelligent parachute recovery systems for UAVs. Mike is a 23 year old graduate of Tennessee Tech University with a BS, in Computer Science and a Minor in Math. Prior to starting SkyFallx, he worked at the Naval Air Warfare Center in Orlando FL. On this edition of the Drone Radio Show, Mike talks about SkyFallX, how he got the idea of creating an autonomous parachute system for drones and what it’s like to build a new company from the ground up. If you’re interesting in hearing about a low cost product that could protect your investment in your drone or want to hear about the highs and lows of creating a start-up, then this podcast is for you.
Twenty years ago, the world was introduced to Fargo, North Dakota through the lens of the Coen Brothers in what has become one of the most iconic movies of all time. When people hear the name Fargo, oftentimes, they’re first thoughts go to the movie, but as my guest reveals, there’s a lot more to Fargo than accents, woodchippers and ice scrapers, especially today.
Greg Tehven is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Emerging Prairie, an organization that connects and celebrates the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Fargo-Moorehead. In recent years, Fargo has developed a reputation as a strong, drone start-up community, often described as the Silicon Valley for drones. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Greg talks about Fargo’s drone culture, the role that Emerging Prairie plays in pushing entrepreneurial activity forward and how Fargo is redefining itself as a contemporary, hip, 21st Century City.
On June 21, the FAA released the long awaited Part 107 rules for commercial drone operation. As soon as it was release, there was a flood of questions on what it means and how should commercial drone operators proceed. This week Jonathan Rupprecht, a noted aviation attorney talks about Part 107 and its potential impact on the drone industry. The rule goes into effect in late August, and there’s still a lot of analysis that has to be made. But Jonathan’s observations provide a good starting point on some key questions to explore before the rule takes effect. For more information on Part 107, you can go to Jonathan’s website and read his blog series on Part 107 and sign up for his newsletter to stay informed.
Where can you go to grab some video of an elephant or two?
Our guest today will clue you in on this question and much more.
Mike Kirstein is a drone operator for Scout Aerial Media in Zimbabwe, Africa. He's been flying drones for several years and is now running a successful UAV service company in Zimbabwe, Africa. On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Mike talks about Scout Aerial Media in Zimbabwe, how he got started in the commercial drone business, what it’s like to run a drone business in Africa and some of the interesting work he’s done so far.
Are you ready when Part 107 goes into effect?
If not, then you’re going to want to listen closely to what today’s guest has to say. Time Trott is a Certified Instructor for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducting training in various aspects of UAS operation. Tim qualified online to take and pass the FAA written Sport Pilot test, followed by the Fundamentals of Instruction. He has a Section 333 exemption and has authored two books – "The Droner’s Guide from Beginning to Professional" and a study guide, called "UAS Operations: Preparing to Meet the Anticipated FAA Knowledge Test Requirements for UAS Operator and/or Pilot UAS Rating". On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Tim talks about his study guide and a video course that will help drone pilots and operators prepare of the requirements of Part 107.
Do you want to know the secret to building a successful, long-lasting drone based business?
Wendell Adkins is the founder of Perfect Perspectives; a leading close range unmanned aerial service company. Wendell has been flying unmanned vehicles for years, stretching back to his childhood with RC aircraft. He is one of the world’s top ranked, paid, professional RC competition pilots, including winning an FAI World Championship with Team USA in 1993. He has also consulted as a drone test pilot for both General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman.
In 2005, he turned his hobby into a business by creating Perfect Perspectives which deliver’s high quality video content. A few years later, he created the Drones for Work division which specializes in inspections of industrial and electrical infrastructure. In an industry that has grown so fast in the past few years, rarely do we get an opportunity to hear from someone that has as much business experience as Wendell. On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Wendell talks about his video and infrastructure divisions, the lessons learned over the past 11 years, and how we, too, can build and sustain a successful drone based business.
Are you ready for Drone Nationals?
Whether you know what that means or not, you’re going to enjoy hearing from today’s guest as we get ready for the summer’s biggest drone racing event.
Scot Refsland is the Chairman of the International Drone Racing Association and RotorSports Media. The IDRA is a leading drone racing organization, having created the California Cup and hosted the World Drone Prix in Dubai, while RotorSports is the company behind Drone Nationals and Drone Worlds. In 2015, the two companies joined forces to create a leading powerhouse, capable of promoting drone racing to an international audience. Earlier this year, IDRA, announced it had signed a multi-year, international media distribution deal with ESPN, bringing the new sport of drone racing to the worldwide leader in sports. On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Scott talks about the Drone Nationals and Drone World’s racing events and how the deal with ESPN represents a major shift forward for the sport of drone racing and for all drone racing fans.