“Little Ripper’ to patrol Oz beaches

University of Technology Sydney is developing software to analyse live footage from the drones to identify the types of sharks spotted. The information can then be relayed immediately to emergency services, beach lifeguards, and water users.

The remote-controlled drones, which can be airborne with just a few minutes’ notice, will also be used on search-and-rescue operations and can drop rescue packs containing life-rafts, positioning beacons, defibrillators and other lifesaving equipment.

This is a fantastic idea – the $250K price tag a lot of very useful capabilities.