One Potential Drone Application: Student Safety Escorts
There are many ways that drones can contribute to the security of your campus.
Drones can give students a sense of safety that traditional police departments don't have the resources to provide.
Drones have many unique capabilities that traditional security systems lack. The way companies begin leveraging those capabilities could revolutionize the campus security industry.
Consider one potential drone application, which would operate on a more personal level with the student: something that’s been referred to as the “Uber-like” Drone. Imagine that you are a female student who is absorbed in your studies at a university library and have just heard the announcement that the library is closing in 15 minutes. It’s is nighttime, and you are alone. You have no ride home, and you are concerned for your safety.
RELATED: Advances in Drone Technology Will Revolutionize Campus Security
What if you could “call up” on-demand your own “Uber-Drone” to escort you, providing real time video of your walk home? Once safely at your residence, the drone service is terminated and you pay a fee using your phone app, much like you would with an Uber-taxi.
San Francisco-based start-up GoFor is already providing this type of service. Drones are summoned much like taxis in other popular service apps. Your desired task is either noted at the outset using presets, or customized using voice commands. Once the drone arrives, your phone’s flashlight is used to pair your device with the drone.
John Minor is the Provost of the Unmanned Vehicle University (UVU). Note: The views expressed by guest contributors are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, Campus Safety magazine.
If you appreciated this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
Related Content
Leading in Turbulent Times: Effective Campus Public Safety Leadership for the 21st Century
This new webcast will discuss how campus public safety leaders can effectively incorporate Clery Act, Title IX, customer service, “helicopter” parents, emergency notification, town-gown relationships, brand management, Greek Life, student recruitment, faculty, and more into their roles and develop the necessary skills to successfully lead their departments. Register today to attend this free webcast!
