Key Takeaways:
- Collaboration of Innovators: DJI partners with Shapeways to foster creative 3D-printed accessories for drone usage in search and rescue missions.
- Grand Prize Winner: Jack Frost from Frost Design wins with his EXO 1 exoskeleton, designed to enhance the functionality of the DJI Phantom in challenging rescue scenarios.
- Diverse Innovations: Runners-up present a variety of life-saving designs, reflecting the power of community creativity in addressing real-world challenges.
Empowering Rescue Operations Through Innovation
On October 12, 2016, a collaborative spirit flourished as DJI, a leading figure in the unmanned aerial vehicles industry, joined forces with Shapeways, the largest maker space and marketplace for 3D printing. Together, they unveiled the winners of a groundbreaking design contest aimed at producing innovative 3D-printed accessories tailored for drone use in search and rescue operations.
Eli Morgan Harris, DJI’s Business Development Director, expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact these designs hold for first responders. “These new innovations mean improvements to search and rescue missions with fewer first responders put at risk,” he remarked. The products emerging from this challenge promise not only to enhance operational safety but also to make significant strides toward the efficiency of emergency response, which aligns with DJI’s ongoing collaboration with the European Emergency Number Association (EENA).
Celebrating Creative Excellence
Andrew Thomas, the Community Manager at Shapeways, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the remarkable talent within the maker community. “Having partnered with DJI, we challenged designers to channel their creativity and 3D design abilities to create life-saving modifications that may have otherwise been unexplored,” he noted. The enthusiasm surrounding the contest was palpable, showcasing a perfect blend of innovation and community engagement.
The highlight of the competition was Jack Frost from Frost Design, who took home the grand prize with his impressive design, the EXO 1 exoskeleton. This lightweight but robust modification enhances the DJI Phantom’s capabilities, specifically designed for search and rescue teams. Equipped with advanced visibility features and a dedicated lighting system, the EXO 1 facilitates improved operations in varied conditions. Providing options like a carabiner mount for payload transport and a magnetic release for efficiency, the design is a testament to thoughtful engineering. Frost received a rewarding $1,000 in Shapeways printing credit along with a DJI Phantom 4 drone, recognizing his exceptional contribution.
Recognizing Additional Talent
In addition to Frost’s success, several runners-up also showcased remarkable ingenuity. Cary Lucier presented a self-releasing rescue delivery capsule, while Haydn Bao and Warren Alexander developed a “search and whistle” attachment for the Phantom 4. Jet Townsend, also from SAR3DP, unveiled a dye marker bomb/buoy design, underscoring the spectrum of innovative solutions aimed at empowering rescue efforts. Each of the runners-up received $500 in Shapeways printing credits.
DJI’s Support for Creativity
DJI consistently encourages creativity among its customers by allowing them to develop custom accessories for their products through its Software Development Kit. Since 2013, drone enthusiasts have utilized Shapeways to create and sell modifications for their personal drones, continuing to inspire a culture of innovation.
The DJI Phantom 4, with its sleek design and integrated camera, has been embraced as a versatile tool for search operations. However, challenges such as severe weather conditions and poor visibility can complicate rescue missions. By introducing 3D-printed accessories that enhance visibility and facilitate lifesaving payloads, first responders can improve operational efficiency, reduce response times, and provide crucial information to ground personnel.
As the demand for innovative solutions in emergency response scenarios grows, initiatives like the DJI and Shapeways contest spotlight the extraordinary possibilities emanating from community-driven creativity. Together, they are shaping a future where technology and human ingenuity converge to create safer environments for all.
