AUVSI XCELLENCE Humanitarian Award Celebrates Innovative Drone Use
DJI Fuels Humanitarian Efforts with Award Sponsorship
In a remarkable display of innovation and compassion, five organizations have been recognized for their transformative use of drone technology in life-saving humanitarian efforts. The inaugural AUVSI XCELLENCE Humanitarian Award, sponsored by DJI, was presented at the AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2018 conference held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.
The Honored Organizations
The recipients of this prestigious award are celebrated for their application of unmanned aircraft systems in critical areas such as disaster management, medical assistance, and search-and-rescue operations. Each organization has showcased the immense potential that drone technology holds for making a difference globally:
- Aeryon Labs Inc. – Their Aeryon SkyRanger UAS proved invaluable by providing critical aerial intelligence to first responders in Sint Maarten following Hurricane Irma (Canada).
- DroneSAR – This organization developed a UAV search-and-rescue solution that autonomously executes aerial searches, delivering live data to enhance first response efforts in Ireland.
- Nepal Flying Lab – Focused on disaster preparedness, this group utilized drones for hazard and vulnerability mapping in the diverse terrains of Nepal.
- ONG DroneSAR Chile – Their team employs drones for emergency response tasks and humanitarian aid throughout Chile, extending their reach in times of crisis.
- Zipline International – This pioneering company is revolutionizing healthcare in Rwanda by utilizing drones for medical supply deliveries, significantly improving patient access to care.
DJI’s Commitment to Humanitarian Innovation
“We are thrilled to recognize and reward organizations that have effectively harnessed drone technology for the betterment of their communities and the environment,” expressed Michael Perry, Managing Director of North America at DJI. The initiative sought to honor those pioneering organizations directly influencing humanitarian and philanthropic drone missions globally. Perry conveyed appreciation to all participating entities for their inventive applications of drones in life-saving endeavors, hoping the awards would inspire further innovation and altruistic endeavors in the drone community.
Empowering Humanitarian Missions
Brian Wynne, president and CEO of AUVSI, emphasized the vital role of unmanned aircraft systems, which are traditionally utilized for commercial purposes, in conducting essential humanitarian missions. Equipped with advanced cameras and sensors, these drones can swiftly navigate difficult terrains, overcoming obstacles that ground vehicles cannot, especially in the aftermath of disasters like storms or floods.
The five winning organizations will equally share a $25,000 donation as recognition for their impactful contributions to humanitarian efforts, further solidifying the importance of collaboration in leveraging technology for good.
Available Media and Contact Information
For those interested in visual documentation of this event, photos are available for download at the following link: Download Photos
For further inquiries, please contact:
DJI: pr@dji.com
AUVSI: tmcmahon@auvsi.org
About AUVSI
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) stands as the world’s largest non-profit organization focusing on the advancement of unmanned systems and robotics. It encompasses a diverse membership of companies and professionals from over 60 countries spanning industry, government, and academic fields, particularly in the defense, civil, and commercial markets.
To learn more, visit AUVSI.org. Additionally, details about the AUVSI XCELLENCE Awards and the XPONENTIAL event can be found at xponential.org.
