Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Authors' Class Standing
A. Michael Shekari, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
A. Michael Shekari
Faculty Mentor Name
John Robbins, Ph.D.
Abstract
Approximately 4000 people drown every year in the United States, 50-75 percent of which perish in open water environments (Branche & Stewart, 2001). In Volusia County, Florida, alone over 30 fatal drownings were recorded by the Volusia County Beach Safety Division between January 2012 and June 2017 (Shekari, 2018). To reduce drowning deaths in Volusia County, it is proposed that a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) solution be utilized for near-shore ocean rescues. The research examines the technical and financial feasibility of a comprehensive sUAS solution that is capable of detecting and predicting rip currents, detecting distressed bathers, and responding to drowning emergencies by reviewing relevant technical concepts and costs associated with implementing the solution with commercially available components.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
Yes, Spark Grant
Ocean Savior From Above: Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Operations During Near-Shore Ocean Rescues - Phase II: A Proposed Comprehensive Solution and Review of Current Technologies and Concepts
Approximately 4000 people drown every year in the United States, 50-75 percent of which perish in open water environments (Branche & Stewart, 2001). In Volusia County, Florida, alone over 30 fatal drownings were recorded by the Volusia County Beach Safety Division between January 2012 and June 2017 (Shekari, 2018). To reduce drowning deaths in Volusia County, it is proposed that a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) solution be utilized for near-shore ocean rescues. The research examines the technical and financial feasibility of a comprehensive sUAS solution that is capable of detecting and predicting rip currents, detecting distressed bathers, and responding to drowning emergencies by reviewing relevant technical concepts and costs associated with implementing the solution with commercially available components.