As drones are becoming increasingly recognized for their role as critical tools rather than simply recreational gadgets, Nokia is working with Motorola Solutions to offer a Drone as a First Responder service.
This service is designed to enhance public safety by improving emergency response times and protecting frontline personnel. Automated systems enable rapid drone deployment to provide responders with real-time situational awareness before they arrive on scene.
Thomas Eder, Head of Embedded Wireless Solutions at Nokia, commented, “When lives are at stake, every second counts. This is an example of where technology can underpin human endeavor for the benefit of all. The technology helps emergency services operate more efficiently, enabling a better service to the population and helping to keep its own people safe in the process.”
Shifting Drone Perception
Drones have been in existence since 1935, but significant interest in this technology has only occurred in the last two decades. Originally developed for military applications, they eventually became popular among hobbyists before engineers recognized their potential for commercial and industrial use.
One of the biggest challenges in expanding drone applications is overcoming the perception that they are just toys. Many decision-makers today may associate drones with gifts from family members or childhood pastimes, influencing their view of the technology. However, businesses are increasingly adopting drones for practical applications, ranging from worker safety and sustainability to operational efficiency.
Eder stated, “Drone usage is becoming increasingly commonplace across business, especially for those companies who have remote operations or where there is a risk to worker safety. If you do not have to put a human in a dangerous position, or drive hundreds of miles for an hour of inspections, why would you?”
For example, using a drone equipped with an HD camera to inspect an electricity pylon eliminates the need for a human to climb, reducing risk while providing a permanent digital record.
Additionally, drones improve sustainability by minimizing unnecessary travel to remote locations. Beyond utilities, industries such as oil and gas, construction, remote sensing, and mapping are also finding valuable applications for drones.
Changing Drone Regulations
Regulatory changes are further supporting this shift, particularly through adjustments in beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations. BVLOS flights have been used in public services for years, and regulators are now considering broader industrial applications.
In the UK, for instance, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has introduced new rules allowing drones to operate at low altitudes near infrastructure, enabling use cases like asset inspections and site security. Similar regulatory evolutions are taking place globally, paving the way for wider drone adoption.
Eder added, “This is a slow-moving process because of the complexity involved. There are many moving parts, and safety has been at the core of every discussion. But the last few months have been incredibly exciting, and this feels like a watershed moment for the drone sector.”
Early trials of industrial drone applications indicate substantial benefits. Industries such as oil and gas, mining, ports, and utilities, along with public safety organizations, are seeing returns on investment within 12 months. Cost and time savings from remote inspections are key drivers, while new capabilities unlocked by drone technology create additional value.
While drones are still often perceived as hobbyist devices, their role in business is expanding rapidly. As policies continue to evolve, adoption is expected to accelerate, further solidifying drones as essential tools for safety, security, and productivity.
