NIST initiates First Responder UAS Indoor Challenge

The Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has launched a new competition they said seeks to advance first responder use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

The First Responder UAS Indoor Challenge would enhance first responder indoor search and rescue operations when deploying UAS technology.

“We believe the UAS Program at NIST has helped accelerate advancements in UAS technology for the public safety community,” NIST Public Safety Communications Research Division Chief Dereck Orr said. “Last year, our Endurance Challenge showed significant increases in UAS flight time to help in search and rescue operations. Our current Triple Challenge is also looking at ways to help in first responder missions by improving image detection, providing broadband communications in GPS-denied areas, and identifying UAS cybersecurity vulnerabilities.”

The endeavor calls for competitors to design, build and fly a cost-effective, easily flyable drone solution, per authorities. The exercise would aid search and rescue teams in gaining more situational awareness before entering a building. Up to $685,000 will be awarded throughout three stages of the challenge, officials indicated.

“NIST is working on research that focuses on standards to help the UAS industry,” Capital Consulting Corporation Project Manager Mike Yea said. “It’s exciting to know that our involvement in this important work may someday contribute to saving the life of a first responder or someone in our community.”