The first time we saw the drone take off from the drone box, it was like – ‘Oh yes! We’ve done it!’
Vanessia, one of the youngest members of the HTX Robotics, Automation and Unmanned Systems Centre of Expertise, recounted: “The first time we saw the drone take off from the drone box, it was like – ‘Oh yes! We’ve done it!’”
Vanessia (left) with the RAUS team (Photo: HTX)
For the fresh aerospace engineering graduate who joined HTX in July 2019, the moment was sweeter for she had helped to scout out and determine the deployment site of the drone box for optimal operational coverage.
These huge boxes which are 2.2m tall and weigh 2 tons are needed for the drones to charge and change their batteries.
Vanessia’s role was to conduct site surveys to scout out areas and buildings, and decide exactly which part of the building the drone boxes should be placed.
“It can’t just be installed anywhere. The place must be secured, have access to power, and certain conditions must be met for optimal operational coverage.,” said Vanessia, who chose to join HTX as she wanted to be at the forefront of technology.
In the lead-up to the test flight, the team also planned out way points and flight paths for the drone’s autonomous flight.
The drone job – which Vanessia counts as the most exciting project she has worked on at HTX – was in response to a request by the police early this year: As ground patrols had been ramped up due to COVID-19 and manpower was stretched, the police asked if drones could be deployed to augment their ground patrols.
(Photo: HTX)
Ultimately, Vanessia is very excited about how drones will be widely deployed in Singapore to not only augment routine patrol operations, but to save lives and protect properties.
For instance, to quickly deliver medical supplies such as an automated external defibrillators (AED) to someone who may be suffering from a heart attack – before the ambulance arrive on scene. The BVLOS drone can also be used to deliver operational supplies to the Home Team’s vessels out at sea.
Currently, a drone box has been installed at Tuas.
She said, “I really love my job. Not only because I get to look at new technology which is very cool, but also because I get involved in actual operations to see how the technology is used on the ground. It’s exciting and meaningful.”