Title:
Maritime Guardian: Advancing SAR Operations with Autonomous Multi-Drone Technology
Agreement Value:
$515,663.00
Agreement Date:
Nov 19, 2024 - Aug 31, 2027
Description:
This project will develop and test a multi-drone search system designed for Canadian maritime search and rescue agencies’ operating in small craft in inshore waters. These drones will be fully autonomous, with the capability to search for missing persons based on data from the Canadian Search and Rescue Program. The scope of this project is to improve its validity, and to provide documentation and training for future integration of these drone into search and rescue response.
Organization:
Public Safety Canada
Expected Results:
The project’s immediate focus will be on the research and development of the autonomous drones. This involves designing, developing the drone search system with integrated technologies like multi-drone search planning software, advanced sensory payload, and machine learning capabilities. The longer-term outcomes will focus on testing, iteration, and validation of the system as well as the publication of research papers and training. Testing will be conducted in a variety of maritime environments to assess the prototype's functionality, durability, and effectiveness in real-world search and rescue scenarios. After successful testing, the project will start pilot programs with the Canadian Coast Guard to further test the drones and their assistance with the Canadian Coast Guard’s Search and Rescue operations.
Location:
Kingston, Ontario, CA K7L 3N6
Reference Number:
088-2024-2025-Q3-00068
Agreement Type:
Contribution
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient's Operating Name:
Queen's University at Kingston
Recipient's Legal Name:
Queen's University at Kingston
Federal Riding Name:
Kingston and the Islands
Federal Riding Number:
35044
Program:
(SAR NIF) Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund
Program Purpose:
SAR NIF provides annual funding for projects that will improve the National Search and Rescue Program. SAR NIF projects must address at least one of the National SAR Program Annual Priorities.