Tag: UAVs: Page 2

Roadbuilding

N. Carolina DOT issues its own drone guidelines for recreational operation

The “First in Flight” state is offering drone user guidelines for all those new to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in time for what could be a heavy gift-giving season for the devices. “We’re proud of North Carolina’s legacy of being first in manned flight,” says North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Secretary Nick Tennyson. “The […]

December 22, 2015

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10th Day of Construction Gifts: Blade Nano QX drone for beginners to (crash and) learn with

If you’ve spent any time at all reading this site, you’re likely aware that drones are by far and away the fastest growing technology on construction sites around the country. We’ve seen one contractor increase efficiency by working these unmanned aircraft into just about every aspect of its workflow and now we have a clear picture […]

December 18, 2015

Technology

FAA to require online drone registration starting Dec. 21

Following the advice of recently disclosed findings by an agency task force, the Federal Aviation Administration has announced the official drone registration process for recreational and hobbyist pilots. Apart from businesses being required to file for an exemption for commercial use, all drones between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds, including any payloads such as cameras, intended for […]

December 15, 2015

Roadbuilding

Connecticut DOT to test drone for inspections under bridges

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) is testing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or drone, to inspect the underside of the northbound Gold Star Memorial Bridge in New London on Dec. 15. “This is an important step for our agency—the testing of a new technology with the potential to improve results, efficiencies, and safety for the […]

December 10, 2015

Technology

Amazon’s new helicopter/airplane hybrid drone points to exciting possibilities for jobsite deliveries

Amazon has released the first design update on its ‘Prime Air’ drone delivery program since releasing footage of a prototype nearly two years ago. In that time the company has pushed for the Federal Aviation Administration to speed up the process in establishing commercial drone regulations, but beyond that, we haven’t seen much of the […]

November 30, 2015

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Topcon debuts the Falcon 8, a rotary wing drone for mass data collection

Contractors, surveyors and engineers are finding all kinds of new and useful applications for unmanned aerial vehicles, otherwise known as drones. Topcon has introduced a new product into this market, the Falcon 8–powered by Ascending technologies– designed for inspecting and monitoring worksites as well as surveying and mapping applications. This UAV is equipped with 8 rotors, […]

November 25, 2015

Technology

FAA’s coming drone registration will likely be very easy

The task force formed by the Federal Aviation Administration to figure out how to register U.S. drone purchases in order to better keep track of the unmanned aircraft has issued its official recommendations. The good news is that if the FAA adopts these recommendations as its final registration process, it should be fairly painless for […]

November 23, 2015

Roadbuilding

Watch drones autonomously weave a bridge in mid-air

Add bridge building to the growing list of unexpected uses for unmanned aircraft. Earlier this week, we told you about Google testing out the use of drones to deliver internet access. Amazon wants to use them to deliver packages. The Michigan Department of Transportation is researching using drones to check road conditions. And the Minnesota Department […]

October 23, 2015

Technology

Google files 2 drones with FAA to explore using the aircraft for delivering Internet access

With the unmanned aircraft industry blossoming into a multi-billion industry before our very eyes, it’s not surprising to see some of the big names in tech turn their focus to drones. Amazon was the first to show interest in the technology as a means of getting its products to customers faster. Both Sony and GoPro […]

October 22, 2015

Technology

Komatsu says its drone-powered automated equipment service eliminates 20-30% margin of error in soil volumes

Much like here in the U.S., Japan is experiencing a severe lack of skilled construction and craft workers. And right now, that shortage is only being amplified as Japan is in the middle of several stadium construction projects as the country readies to host the 2020 Olympics. Which is why the country is really hoping […]

October 20, 2015

Technology

Most drone purchases will soon require registration with U.S. government

Soon, the majority of drone purchases, no matter the owner’s purpose for use, will be required to be registered with the federal government. According to a report from NBC News, the move comes as federal agencies have become increasingly concerned over the rise in “close calls between unmanned drones and aircraft flying into and out of some […]

October 19, 2015

Technology

FAA testing smartphone app that shows drone operators where they can and can’t fly

Last month the Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning to drone operators: for crying out loud, stop flying so close to airplanes. Just a little more than halfway through the year, reports from pilots of planes and helicopters of drones drifting dangerously close into their airspace was up nearly 200 percent over the full 2014 […]

September 3, 2015