Australian coast guard tests shark-deterring drones
Australia's coast guard is trialling drones designed to deter sharks and help swimmers in need. The pilotless drones, developed by the Ripper Group and China's JTT Technology, can drop "shark shield bombs," which emit electric pulses, and a defibrillator or a flotation device to assist swimmers. The drones are equipped with artificial intelligence from University of Technology, Sydney, and RealSense aviation technology to prevent collisions. If successful, the drones will be tested on other Sydney beaches, before a possible nationwide roll-out.

Drones developed by The Ripper Group and Chinese developer JTT Technology are to be tested by Surf Life Saving NSW as means of driving sharks away from swimmers.

The specially-developed drones can drop “shark shield bombs” into the water where they emit electric pulses. They can also drop a flotation device that activates when it hits water and can be used to support swimmers in trouble, or drop a defibrillator in difficult to reach areas.

Australian company, The Ripper Group, was set up by high-profile publisher, local entrepreneur and Life Member of Surf Life Saving Australia, Kevin Weldon, to develop the drones for use on Australian beaches.

The drones use artificial intelligence developed by University of Technology Sydney researchers to track sharks and RealSense aviation technology to prevent collisions with other drones/aircraft.

The drones can land automatically without a pilot.

Surf Life Saving NSW will test the drones on the state’s north coast and plans are afoot to follow-up successful tests with further trials on Sydney beaches.

The drones are likely to be deployed nationwide by the end of the year if trials in NSW are successful.