With over 7,500 drone flights monitored and real-time threat detection, SkySafe’s cutting-edge technology continues to enhance fan safety at Illini football games.
by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNab
Between the student body, thousands of out-of-town fans, and a thriving tailgate college football games are big events – which also means that they need innovative security solutions. San Diego-based drone security developer Skysafe and the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) have recently announced a two year extension to a contract to provide drone security services and protect fans at Illini football games.
According to their press release, “The University’s renewal highlights the key role that Skysafe has played in campus safety and airspace management.”
Skysafe uses their cloud-based drone identification and tracking system to ensure maximum insight into authorized (and unauthorized) drone flights occurring in the University of Illinois’ airspace, providing a convenient and comprehensive all-in-one solution for event security. With early detection and warning capabilities, Skysafe can alert security to threats before they put fans at risk, allowing for repeatable and systematic responses to increasingly common drone threats.
“We’re excited to strengthen our partnership with the University of Illinois in addressing the challenges posed by evolving drone threats,” said Melissa Swisher, Chief Revenue Officer at SkySafe. “Our solution has given the University comprehensive situational awareness across campus, accurately pinpointing both drones and their operators with near-perfect precision. SkySafe’s technology supports their efforts to manage increasing drone incidents and significantly improves campus safety.”
According to the press release, “In the last year, SkySafe has provided the university visibility into over 7,500 drone flights in its airspace. In September, with approximately 60,000 spectators gathered for a football game, a nefarious flight was detected, which led to the arrest of the drone operator. Through SkySafe’s drone detection and advanced forensics, the University was able to provide documentation and drone details which led to the prosecution of the drone operator.”
In July, Skysafe announced that their drone identification and tracking system had been included in a recent DoD acquisition contract focusing on the US Border Patrol. Other projects have included security assignments at prisons and at Atlantic City Airport.
More information about Skysafe is available here.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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