UQ invention set to revolutionise unmanned vehicle surveillance

Surf lifesavers, police, firefighters and rescue workers across Australia and around the world could benefit from new unmanned surveillance technology developed in Brisbane, after the signing of an agreement today.

Brisbane-based air, ground and marine robotics company V-TOL Aerospace will manufacture a prototype unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed by researchers at The University of Queensland.

The UAV, designed by Dr Paul Pounds from UQ’s School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, could replace piloted helicopters in search and rescue or surveillance operations for a fraction of the cost, with reduced maintenance and risk to people.

Dr Pounds said his unique design for a new type of quadrotor UAV - a helicopter lifted and propelled by four independent propellers - was more agile, responsive and energy efficient than existing quadrotor designs.

“It combines the aerodynamic efficiency of a helicopter with the simplicity and robustness of a quadrotor,” he said.

 “I’m excited to be able to work with V-TOL Aerospace to take this technology out of the lab and into the field, where I believe it will prove to be the ideal platform for police and emergency responders.”

V-TOL Aerospace Managing Director Mark Xavier said the company was ready to take the UAV to the global market.

“V-TOL will develop not only the product, but the regulator-approved training and support services required to make this product Civil Aviation Safety Authority compliant,” he said.

 “This will make it very attractive for export.”

UQ commercialisation company UniQuest today signed an agreement licensing intellectual property for the design to V-TOL