Security is essential for any business or organisation, especially in high-value areas like gold mines. However, traditional security measures, such as guards, fences and CCTV, can be limited in their coverage and effectiveness. This is where unmanned aerial vehicles or drones come in.

Drones are autonomous or remotely piloted aircraft that can carry out various tasks. While drone usage is not entirely new, autonomous drones, which remove human control from the equation, are relatively new and revolutionising multiple sectors. These drones are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), which allows them to make decisions and take actions on their own. 

Autonomous drones can have varying capabilities based on their level of autonomy. Some drones require pre-programmed flight plans, while others can make real-time decisions using AI and machine learning. These advanced drones can adapt to changing conditions, avoid obstacles, and perform complex tasks without human input.

Benefits of autonomous drones

Autonomous drones are increasingly being used for surveillance and security tasks. These drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors, which are helpful to monitor activities and detect threats. 

These drones can also help patrol gold mines, construction sites, power plants, and other critical infrastructure. These sites often have stockpiles covering large areas, and gathering data from these stockpiles can be dangerous, as it typically involves climbing on them with GPS equipment. Other methods, such as 3D imaging, laser inspection, or manned aircraft to fly over the sites, can also be costly.

Autonomous drones can help companies conduct inspections more cost-effectively and accurately. They can also be used to automate inventory management and carry out site surveillance, including videos, photos, and tracking capabilities.

Some drones are equipped with night-vision cameras and thermal sensors, providing imagery that the human eye cannot detect. They can also cover difficult-to-reach areas, such as narrow and confined spaces. 

They can also be utilised to check gate security, monitor assets, and audit manned patrols. In the event of a security breach, autonomous drones can be used to track down the perpetrators.

This technology eliminates the need for human operators, reducing operational costs. These are why security agencies like Marengo employ autonomous drones in their broader security plan.

Besides surveillance, drones can help ensure site security, aid area clearance, reduce site noise and dust pollution, and assist with emergency responses.

Risks of the technology

The widespread use of autonomous drones, unfortunately, is also a serious privacy and security concern, as they can be used to provide ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) to anyone. 

Irresponsible individuals can use autonomous drones to track people’s movements, monitor their activities, and even identify them — infringing on people’s right to privacy. At the same time, there are risks of hacking and unauthorised access to their systems. This could allow hackers to steal sensitive data. 

There are also concerns that drones made by Chinese companies may transmit sensitive data back to their manufacturers. DJI, the world’s current leading drone manufacturer with over 70 percent market share, has been blacklisted by the US due to these concerns. Japanese infrastructure companies are also exploring alternatives to Chinese brands.

However, according to the Drone Survey Services, the UK police typically use drones from DJI, such as the Matrice and Phantom Series. These drones are used for surveillance, traffic monitoring, search and rescue operations and crime scene investigation. Home Secretary Suella Braverman has warned that they may be leaving themselves vulnerable to interference from the Chinese government by using them.

Still, despite the potential drawbacks, investing in autonomous drones for businesses can be beneficial due to their precision, efficiency, and safety features. The key is to work with a trusted security agency to proactively address the drawbacks while leveraging the advantages for seamless autonomous drone employment.