Drones powered by artificial intelligence could be the key to keeping Sydney's swimmers safe from sharks, following a series of attacks that have shaken the city. A robotics company has developed cutting-edge technology it hopes will prevent future tragedies, with AI-powered eyes in the sky potentially patrolling beaches as early as this summer.
Drone Capabilities
The 4.5-metre drone can fly for 12 hours with a range of 150 kilometres and could scan each beach in the Sydney metro area up to four times a day. "We could sit our drone off the coast, provided we've got all the right approvals, and be able to monitor Sydney's beaches continuously for a 12-hour period," said Ninox Robotics Managing Director Marcus Ehrlich.
The system uses artificial intelligence to detect sharks and immediately alert lifeguards to potential dangers. "What we're thinking is, is somewhere starting like Coogee and being able to go up to the northern beaches and back, or conversely be able to put a single system in different zones of the coast," Ehrlich explained.
Recent Shark Attacks
The technology has been developed following five shark attacks in Sydney since September, including the mauling of 34-year-old Leah Stewart by a great white at Coogee last week. She remains fighting for life in hospital. A community swim out is to be held on Sunday to reinstil confidence in the water.
In the last four days alone, there have been shark sightings at Maroubra, Tamarama and Bondi. A great white was also spotted just off a south coast beach on Thursday. There have also been other fatal shark attacks in Western Australia and Queensland in recent months.
Layered Approach
The robotics company believes a layered approach combining different drone systems could provide comprehensive coverage. "I think if you have a layered system where you've got the small systems operating, and you've got the larger ones at a higher level scale to provide a sort of overwatch capability, I think combined, there wouldn't be as many gaps," Ehrlich said.
Government Consideration
A proposal is currently before the state government, with hopes the drones could be scanning Sydney beaches by summer. "Really, the government's looking at all of the options. We already have drone technology that is operating up and down the coast, but we are of course looking at all of the options in the future about what else we can do to keep swimmers safe," NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said.
