Were Featured Speakers On Humanitarian Applications For UAVs

Dr. Patrick Meier, founder of Humanitarian UAV Network and representatives from UNICEF and the American Red Cross, discussed the latest developments and explored partnership opportunities with the humanitarian community during a dynamic panel on Humanitarian Applications for UAVs at the Drone World Expo.

This panel provided participants with the latest lessons learned and best practices drawn from international humanitarian UAV missions in Nepal, Philippines, Vanuatu, Haiti, Ireland, Malawi and beyond.

“Aerial robotics represents the first wave of robotics to impact the humanitarian space. Key applications include data collection, payload delivery and communication services,” said Patrick Meier. “I’m thrilled to be presenting at Drone World Expo with UNICEF and American Red Cross where we can talk about the benefits and challenges posed by UAVs and will introduce the humanitarian UAV guidelines championed by international humanitarian organizations.”

The Drone World Expo Conference Program was designed to provide a road map for the application and deployment of drone solutions and key insights for participants into how to measure and maximize on the value drones can add to commercial businesses. The panelists on the humanitarian panel included:

• Patrick Meier, Ph.D Founder, Humanitarian UAV Network - Dr. Meier is an internationally recognized thought leader on humanitarian technology and innovation. His new book, “Digital Humanitarians” has already been endorsed by Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Oxford, UN, Red Cross, World Bank, USAID, LinkedIn, Twitter and others. In 2010, he was publicly recognized by President Clinton for his pioneering digital humanitarian efforts, which he continues to this day.
• Erica Kochi Senior Advisor on Innovation to the Executive Director, UNICEF - Erica Kochi co-founded and co-leads UNICEF’s Innovation Unit, a group tasked with identifying, prototyping and scaling technologies and practices that improve UNICEF's work on the ground. Working with partners in private sector and academia the Innovation Unit supports UNICEF’s 135+ country offices in the practical application of design and technology to strengthen international development outcomes.
• Quinn Tran CEO, American Red Cross of the Silicon Valley - Quinn Tran has extensive experience in business leadership with Fortune 500 and technology start-ups, spanning global business development, strategic planning, marketing, international sales, and strategic alliances. Most recently Quinn was CEO and Managing Partner of GlobAll Connect LLC, a technology development company she co-founded with a focus on Green Tech, Software Services, and Digital Health Solutions.

“The American Red Cross has been exploring how emerging technologies might help strengthen disaster resilience when they are accessed, owned and/or managed by local community groups. UAVs were prioritized by disaster-affected communities for further action based on their potential to address barriers related to information, security and logistics,” said Quinn Tran. “The Red Cross is currently testing UAVs to temporarily restore communications networks and deliver critical relief items following a disaster. I look forward to sharing this research at the Drone World Expo and discussing efforts to ensure the safe, responsible and coordinated use of UAVs for humanitarian purposes.”

(Source: Drone World Expo news release)

FMI: www.droneworldexpo.com