The new Project First Responders focuses on creating a proof of concept for an autonomous, cloud-based drone platform for public safety operations during emergencies such as wildfires. The drone project is being developed in the Mouser Innovation Lab with parts from platinum sponsor TE Connectivity.

With Project First Responders, the team seeks to develop new technology that can help save communities and lives ? all by bringing top engineering minds together in the Mouser Innovation Lab. In the first episode, Mouser, Grant and team focused on the need for a communications network that could link multiple drones for a single purpose. By employing Easy Aerial’s GlobalARC peer-to-peer communications platform, the team can control multiple drones to help first responders in natural disasters or other crises.

In the latest episode, the team focuses on continuing the proof of concept by diving into the logistical hurdles of having drones available when needed, ensuring and maintaining communications between cell towers and drones during a natural disaster, and providing essential security levels for different users or government agencies.

“This new series in the Empowering Innovation Together program is an opportunity to foster innovation and use technology to improveㅡor, even better, to saveㅡlives,” said Glenn Smith, President and CEO of Mouser Electronics.

“Drones can be a huge advantage to agencies fighting natural disasters,” said Grant Imahara. “They can launch immediately, gather vital data about an emergency situation, and help efficiently relay that information to all agencies involved, all without putting further lives at risk.”