The AtlasNEST system, developed by ATLAS UAS, aims to enhance airport safety with the use of drones. Traditional airport security systems, while structured logically, can face limitations in human control, such as poor visibility, communication issues, and restricted access to certain areas.
These factors may lead to delays in responding to emergencies. The AtlasNEST system is a valuable addition to airport safety protocols, comparable in importance to a smartphone for a business professional.
It addresses the challenge of uncertain landing conditions by providing real-time, multi-angle visuals to emergency teams. That expedites decision-making and response times, ultimately preventing potential accidents.
AtlasNEST System, Drone Complement Airport Safety Measures
The technology operates through a docking station integrated into the airport's infrastructure and monitoring system. Upon request from the central command center, the system deploys a drone on a mission. The drone autonomously completes its task and returns to the AtlasNEST docking station.
The drone has a communication range of up to 8 km via WiFi. It can autonomously take off and land on the docking station. It only takes up to 3 minutes to deploy it without human assistance.
In a press statement, Ivan Tolchinsky, CEO of ATLAS Aerospace, emphasized that AtlasNEST complements rather than replaces existing safety measures. It seamlessly integrates into the overall system, providing the control center with precise geographical data and situational awareness.
"AtlasNEST doesn't replace the airport safety system; it perfectly complements it. The device is easily integrated into the overall system and helps the control center to get an operative, high-quality data from inspectioned area, by providing accurate geo information and awareness of the situation. AtlasNEST helps to avoid possible accidents and tragedies through a balanced algorithm of team actions," Tolchinsky noted.
The AtlasNEST docking station operates entirely remotely. Commands can be issued from the command center, regardless of geographical distance. That ensures accessibility and control, whether 5 km or 5,000 km from the AtlasNEST system.
The system also ensures continuous functionality of the AtlasPRO drone by automatically replacing its batteries. With a swift transition from landing to take-off, the AtlasNEST holds four batteries - one in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and three spares in the docking station. This mechanism, engineered by ATLAS, enables seamless operations.
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'How Can a Tragedy be Avoided?'
An ATLAS engineer said: "The ATLAS team wondered, what if an airplane has some difficulties landing? How can a tragedy be avoided? Visibility is limited and nobody has an accurate understanding of the situation."
The engineer added: "We need an eye that will promptly provide a picture from different angles so that an emergency team can determine a clear plan of action without wasting a minute. The UAV is able to identify problem areas to speed up the cleaning process and provide the security service with fast and relevant data."
The scalability of the AtlasNEST system, which features a 60 Mk thermal camera with up to 10X optical zoom and a built-in AI, allows for deployment based on coverage area requirements. All deployed AtlasNEST devices and the system can communicate, functioning within a unified network.
This technology could represent a significant step forward in airport safety protocols, potentially revolutionizing how security measures are implemented and managed.
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