$180,000 shark-spotting drone helps rescue victims

Australia is now testing drones to help spot sharks and rescue victims. According to recent reports, a $180,000 drone called "Little Ripper" is being used by rescue authorities in Australia to identify sharks in the water and assist threatened swimmers. The camera-equipped drone includes a rescue pod that contains shark repellant and an inflatable raft with a capacity of three people. If the trial is successful, 40 more drones will be deployed in the area, according to the chief executive of Westpac, the organization funding the trial.

This is the latest example of how UAVs are becoming practical and professional tools. Increasingly, big manufacturers in this area are catering to those who want to use drones for commercial purposes. This is why DJI released both an agriculture drone and a drone equipped with thermal imaging. Smaller China suppliers have been producing products in these areas for a while now. Thermal imaging drones, which can help with firefighting and search and rescue operations, can be found on Global Sources already. Agriculture drones are listed on the site as well. While none of Global Sources' partners are advertising shark-locating drones yet, opportunities may soon arise for potential makers in this niche.