There is a new player on the South African security drone services space, after Agridrone – through its Johannesburg-based 24/7 Drone Force subsidiary – secured national civil aviation authority’s approval to deploy the DJI drone docking system to its sites.
Obviously, the company is excited by this development, which it reckons will open a door for the industry as a whole and plays an integral part in creating a safer South Africa; as it cements the use of technology to overcome the challenges of the local security landscape.
“After many months of preparation, the SACAA issued Agridrone (Pty) Ltd t/a 24/7 Drone Force with an operations approval to operate a docked drone solution,” the company said in a statement.
“The milestone was achieved through the commitment and determination of a group of individuals who identified the potential of utilising unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the security sector.”
This is a ground-breaking achievement for Agridrone, which will be working with security company 24/7 Security Services to add an eye in the sky for its security operations. Working in all kinds of terrain, the DJI Docks will offer reliable automated security surveillance mission, designed to operate at all times of the day.
The drone-in-a-box solution will land, recharge, and take off from a docking station automatically. The drones are programmed to conduct missions and are controlled and monitored by licensed BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) Remote Pilot Operators from a central command centre overseeing multiple sites.
This service is well-suited for sites based in challenging environments or with extensive perimeters.
David de Lima, 24/7 Drone Force Managing Director, stressed that the timing could not be better for the launch of this technology.
"Some challenges of the security environment have exceeded the traditional measures used by security service providers,” he said.
“We have witnessed the impact of docked drone solutions abroad and are excited about using them locally. I am excited about the value we will offer clients by integrating ground-based assets and docking station technology. This is only the tip of the iceberg; the possibilities are endless.”
Drone docking systems have been a disruptor in the security and surveillance industry, collecting unprecedented volumes of data in a way that the industry had not known before. 24/7 Drone Force joins RocketDNA in offering automated drone services for the security industry.
Agridrone added that the Dock will also work with third-party software platforms such as Flytbase, enabling customers to integrate the platform with current security systems such as surveillance cameras, pressure sensors, electric fence alarms, license plate recognition, and access control systems.
“The future of the drone industry is rapidly evolving as drones become increasingly integrated into commercial operations and public services,” said Gregory Jonsson, Safety and Quality Director at 27/7 Drone Force.
“With the growing adoption of drones in the logistics, property, surveying, agriculture, and surveillance sectors, the demand for advanced drone solutions is on the rise.
“24/7 Drone Force extends their gratitude to the South African Civil Aviation Authority, Hennies Drone Repair and Training, and 24/7 Security Services, who recognised the potential and provided valuable input and support throughout the approval process.”