Written by: Maria Zavarce

Contributor: Lukas Wilgosh

Drone Trends to Watch in 2025

January 2nd, 2025

4 minutes read

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. AI Driven Autonomy

2. The Growing Adoption of RTK Networks for Precision and Efficiency

3. Advanced Sensor Integration

4. Increased Focus on Security and Data Privacy

5. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations

Preparing for 2025

As the commercial drone industry continues to soar, 2025 is shaping up to be another year of rapid innovation and application expansion. Businesses and organizations are increasingly integrating drones into their workflows, from agriculture to public safety, construction to environmental monitoring. Staying ahead of industry trends is crucial for leveraging drones effectively. Here are the key trends commercial drone users should watch for in 2025.

1. AI Driven Autonomy

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of drone technology, and in 2025, we expect to see a rise in drones equipped with advanced AI systems. As we have already seen with the Quantum Systems Trinity Pro, Exyn Nexys and other systems, these innovations are transforming drones into highly intuitive, capable, and versatile tools.

The Trinity Pro's AI provides advanced terrain following, object detection and avoidance, and smart workflow optimization, while the Exyn Nexys AI enables autonomous operations in complex environments like confined spaces and beyond line-of-sight (BVLOS), along with real-time data analysis and decision-making. These breakthroughs are leading the industry, and we can expect even more exciting AI advancements that will continue to push the boundaries of drone autonomy, efficiency, and safety.

Quantum Systems Trinity Pro AI:

Advanced Terrain Following: Adapts to complex landscapes, making it ideal for mapping, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
Object Detection and Avoidance: Real-time AI allows for autonomous obstacle detection and navigation, enhancing safety in dynamic environments.
Smart Workflow Optimization: Automates mission planning, data processing, and analysis, reducing manual workload and increasing efficiency.

Exyn AI:

Autonomous Flight in Challenging Environments: Operates in GPS-denied, confined, or dynamic environments without human intervention.
Real-Time Data Analysis: Processes sensor data on-the-fly to make immediate decisions for mission adjustments and safety.
Robust Decision-Making: Capable of executing complex, pre-programmed tasks, such as infrastructure inspections, autonomously with high accuracy.
Compatibility with Ground Robots: Exyn AI is not only used with drones but also integrates seamlessly with ground robots like Taurob.

2. The Growing Adoption of RTK Networks for Precision and Efficiency

As the demand for high-precision data grows, commercial drone users are embracing RTK networks to enhance their operations. RTK networks, such as MeasurNET, provide real-time corrections to GNSS data, allowing drones to achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy without the need for a local base station. For an in-depth explanation on RTK networks in Canada, please refer to: Understanding RTK Networks in Canada.

As RTK networks like MeasurNET continue to grow, we expect even more commercial drone users to adopt this approach, allowing them to achieve higher levels of efficiency, accuracy, and operational success. By providing valuable support and expertise in this area, Measur is helping customers stay ahead of the curve, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to succeed as the industry evolves.

3. Advanced Sensor Integration

In 2025, we expect to see advancements in several areas of drone sensor technology. For example, more widespread integration of multi-sensor systems, such as the GreenValley LiAirX3-LIR, which combines LiDAR, infrared, and hyperspectral imaging technologies for simultaneous data capture.

Furthermore, we expect to see advancements in cloud integration to streamline data processing, along with improved safety sensors for better collision avoidance in complex environments.

4. Increased Focus on Security and Data Privacy

Governments worldwide are tightening regulations around drone data management as the technology becomes more integrated into commercial and public operations. In 2025, this trend is expected to shape the industry significantly, with a focus on compliance with privacy laws and secure data practices.

Expect to see more drones designed to meet stringent requirements set by regulatory bodies, ensuring the security of data collected during government and commercial operations. As a result, drone manufacturers and operators will prioritize advanced cybersecurity features and compliance certifications such as Blue UAS and NDAA compliance to align with these evolving standards, particularly in sectors handling critical or classified data.

5. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations

In 2025, BVLOS operations are expected to become more widespread, unlocking significant advancements in industries such as infrastructure inspection, logistics, and surveillance. With BVLOS, drones are able to operate beyond the pilot’s direct line of sight, enabling long-range missions in remote or challenging environments. This is made possible by the development of advanced sensors, redundant safety systems, and improved communication networks to ensure safe operations.

However, to legally fly BVLOS in Canada, operators will need to obtain a Special Flight Operations Certificate for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (SFOC-RPAS). This process involves reading and understanding guidelines such as Advisory Circular 903-001, reviewing the SFOC-RPAS checklist, confirming that operations are within appropriate airspace, and completing an Operational Risk Assessment (ORA). After submitting the application and documentation to Transport Canada, applicants should allow ample time for processing, as more complex applications may require additional review.

Deployment solutions like the DJI Dock 2 and BRINC Station will continue to help facilitate BVLOS operations by automating drone deployment, charging, and data transfer. These docks are particularly useful in remote locations, allowing for continuous BVLOS missions without the need for manual intervention. The combination of regulatory clarity and technological advancements is set to propel BVLOS operations forward in 2025.

Preparing for 2025

To stay competitive in 2025, commercial drone users can focus on three key areas: training, equipment, and regulations. Investing in training ensures teams are up-to-date with the latest drone technologies and operational best practices. Upgrading to advanced drones with improved sensors, connectivity, and automation capabilities will enhance efficiency and expand operational possibilities.
Additionally, staying informed about evolving regulations is essential. By focusing on these areas, organizations can fully leverage drone technology and maintain a strong position in the industry.

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About the Author

Maria Zavarce, Marketing Coordinator at Measur, brings over two years of specialized experience in the drones and robotics industry. Combining her knowledge of emerging technologies with 8+ years of inbound marketing and SEO, she provides actionable insights into the transformative power of advanced solutions.

BRINC Lemur 2: The Next Evolution in Public Safety Drones

In life-threatening emergencies, responders are often faced with complex, unpredictable environments where every second counts. The BRINC Lemur 2 drone is designed to assist them in precisely these moments, entering the most hazardous situations to gather critical information, communicate with individuals on the ground, and deliver lifesaving tools. Combining advanced imaging, autonomous navigation, and rugged adaptability, the public safety drone offers a new level of situational awareness and control, ultimately helping save lives.

At the heart of the Lemur 2 is a powerful suite of sensors, optimized for visibility and data gathering in even the harshest conditions. Its 4K camera offers sharp, high-resolution footage during the day, ensuring that every detail in the surrounding environment is captured. But this public safety drone truly shines when light becomes scarce. With integrated night vision and thermal sensors, it cuts through the darkness and detects heat signatures, giving operators vital information when navigating tight, GPS-denied spaces such as collapsed buildings, smoke-filled rooms, or other low-visibility environments.

Real-Time Mapping with LiDAR

Time is of the essence in critical missions, and having an accurate map of your surroundings can make all the difference. The Lemur 2’s onboard LiDAR system offers real-time environmental scanning, generating live, precise 2D floor plans as it moves.

With over 570,000 data points collected per second, the drone builds a comprehensive map of even the most cluttered or challenging environments. This real-time mapping capability not only enhances visibility for remote operators but also supports teams working on the ground, helping them strategize their next move with accurate, up-to-the-second data.

In a collapsed building scenario, for instance, the drone’s LiDAR data can reveal blocked passageways or the safest path forward, saving lives by streamlining search and rescue efforts.

Autonomy and Control

Navigating tight, complex spaces is one of the greatest challenges for any unmanned aerial vehicle, but the Lemur 2 takes this in stride. Its dynamic autonomy system includes obstacle awareness and Smart Speed, a feature that automatically slows the drone as it approaches objects. Whether flying through narrow hallways, cluttered rooms, or multi-story buildings, the Lemur 2 maintains precision control, reducing the risk of collisions.

This intelligent navigation is crucial for drones for law enforcement in hostage situations, where the drone needs to enter buildings discreetly or in disaster areas where responders face multiple hazards.

Breaking Barriers with the Glass Breaker

For law enforcement and emergency responders, gaining rapid entry into secured or inaccessible spaces is often critical. That’s where the Lemur 2’s glass breaker attachment proves its value. Capable of shattering tempered, automotive, and most residential glass, this tool enables responders to breach windows quickly and safely, providing access to trapped individuals or creating openings for ventilation during fires.

In an active shooter situation, for example, the ability to break through windows without putting personnel at risk allows law enforcement to gather crucial intelligence and take action from a safe distance.

Delivering Essentials

The Lemur 2’s multipurpose dropper, capable of carrying and delivering payloads of up to 1 pound, offers another layer of functionality. From delivering medical supplies to victims trapped inside a building, to sending negotiator phones into high-risk environments, the dropper provides tactical solutions without requiring direct human involvement. This "last inch" delivery system ensures that essential tools or aid reach their destination, even when the situation is too dangerous for people to approach directly.

In scenarios where even opening a door could pose a significant risk, this capability keeps first responders out of harm's way while still accomplishing critical tasks.

Built to Survive Harsh Conditions

Designed for durability, the Lemur 2 can handle tough conditions. Its IP24 rating means it's protected against water and dust, allowing it to perform reliably in environments where other drones might struggle. Additionally, its advanced AES-256 encryption ensures that all communications remain secure, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.

This combination of rugged features makes the Lemur 2 a versatile tool, whether deployed in a flood zone, a fire, or a high-security situation. It’s built to work in the most demanding conditions, keeping responders informed and protected at all times.

A Future of Safer Operations

The Lemur 2 represents the future of public safety drones. By combining cutting-edge technology with practical, lifesaving features, it enhances the capabilities of first responders and law enforcement agencies worldwide. Flying through smoke, navigating collapsed buildings, or delivering vital supplies, the Lemur 2 redefines efficiency and safety in dangerous environments. It’s a game-changer, designed to access areas others can’t, providing essential support to help save lives.

Oct 22, 2024

Measur Signs Canadian Distribution Agreement with BRINC Drones

October 7th, 2024 - Measur, Canada's leading unmanned systems distributor, and BRINC Drones, a leader in public safety technology, today announced a strategic partnership to bring BRINC's range of uncrewed technology manufactured in the USA, to public safety agencies across Canada. This partnership will expand the availability of BRINC's advanced public safety solutions, including the Responder, Station, Lemur 2, and BRINC Ball across Canada. By working together, Measur and BRINC Drones aim to enhance public safety and provide first responders in Canada with the cutting-edge technology they need to excel in their missions.

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, BRINC Drones is at the forefront of innovation in public safety technology. BRINC Drones offers a range of advanced products designed to enhance situational awareness, streamline emergency operations, and facilitate effective communication in high-stress environments. Their innovative solutions, including the Responder, Lemur 2, BRINC Station, and BRINC Ball, are tailored to meet the rigorous demands of first responders and public safety agencies. With features like real-time thermal imaging, LiDAR mapping, rapid deployment capabilities, and durable communication systems, BRINC Drones equips emergency teams with the essential tools to make informed decisions and perform critical missions accurately and efficiently.

“BRINC is excited to partner with Measur to bring BRINC’s cutting-edge technology to agencies across Canada,” said Andrew Coté, Vice President of Strategy and Growth at BRINC. “This partnership expands the reach of our purpose-built for public safety technology and provides Canadian first responders with critical tools to enhance situational awareness and improve response times. Together with Measur, we look forward to supporting public safety efforts and increasing the visibility of BRINC products across Canada.”

BRINC Responder

BRINC’s Responder drone is the world’s first purpose-built 911 response drone. It offers exceptional situational awareness with a 640px resolution thermal camera, 40X total zoom, and rapid deployment features. It integrates with the BRINC ecosystem for advanced capabilities in emergency response.

Learn More

BRINC Station

A cutting-edge drone charging nest that ensures rapid deployment of Responder in under 5 seconds. The station is engineered for reliability and durability, with features like fast charging, climate control, and compatibility with Starlink and solar panels.

Learn More

Lemur 2

A versatile drone designed for indoor tactical environments, equipped with 4K daytime, night vision, thermal sensors, and real-time LiDAR mapping. The Lemur 2 also features dynamic autonomy and advanced obstacle detection for superior navigation and safety.

Learn More

BRINC Ball

An innovative communication device designed for high-stakes situations, featuring a sensitive microphone, 4G/LTE connectivity, and powerful speakers, ensuring clear and reliable communication in any environment.

Learn More

"We have seen an increase in demand from our public safety partners across Canada for USA-manufactured uncrewed technology that is capable, affordable, and accessible. The BRINC ecosystem between hardware, like the Lemur 2 for indoor tactical operations or the Responder for outdoor response, and LiveOps software creates an industry-first all-in-one operations platform that unifies drone operations for public safety professionals. We are extremely excited to introduce BRINC's turnkey drone program for public safety and emergency responders across Canada.” said Lukas Wilgosh, Vice President - Unmanned Technologies at Measur.

Starting today, all BRINC Drones products are available for sale by Measur including the Responder, Lemur 2, Station,Ball, and LiveOps software. Measur will provide local support and service to BRINC operators in all of our service locations across Canada.

About BRINC Drones

BRINC is an American developer of technology in the service of public safety. The company builds a connected ecosystem of tools designed to save lives. BRINC manufactures its products in the US, has co-located R&D and production, and is vertically integrated, controlling the entirety of its supply chain. Over 500 public safety agencies and 10%+ of the SWAT teams in the US use its products to de-escalate dangerous situations and safeguard human life. The company is backed by top investors, including Sam Altman, Index Ventures, Dylan Field, Elad Gil, Patrick Shanahan, Julius Genachowski, Shyam Sankar, Alexandr Wang, Bradley Tusk and Jeff Weiner.

For more information, visit: brincdrones.com

About Measur

Measur is Canada's commercial drone experts. Founded in 2001, Measur has become the most trusted source for aerial solutions in mining & aggregates, agriculture & forestry, infrastructure & utilities, construction, surveying & mapping and oil & gas.

Learn more: drones.measur.ca

Oct 07, 2024

How Drones Enhance Bathymetric Surveys: A Safer and More Efficient Approach

Bathymetric surveys, which involve mapping the underwater topography of lakes, rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water, have historically been conducted using traditional manned boats equipped with sonar systems. While effective, these methods can be time-consuming, expensive, and sometimes risky, especially in shallow, remote, or hazardous waters. However, drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned surface vessels (USVs) are facilitating bathymetric surveys by offering a faster, more efficient, and safer alternative.

What is a bathymetric survey?

A bathymetric survey measures the depth and topography of the underwater surface, providing a detailed map of the waterbed. These surveys are essential for a variety of industries, including environmental monitoring, coastal engineering, underwater construction, and scientific research. Traditional methods often rely on echo sounders mounted on boats or ships, but drones now offer new possibilities for bathymetric data collection.

Types of Drones Used for Bathymetric Surveys

There are two primary types of drones used in bathymetric surveys, Aerial Drones (UAVs) and Surface Drones or USVs:

Aerial Drones (UAVs)

Drone-Based Echo Sounder

EchoLogger ECT D052S Echo Sounder

These drones are typically used to collect aerial data or to assist in launching smaller surface drones. They can also be equipped with LiDAR sensors or photogrammetry systems to map the water surface. For example, the DJI M350 RTK, can be outfitted with devices like the EchoLogger ECT D052S, a high-performance dual-frequency echo sounder that measures water depths between 0.5 to 200 meters. This echo sounder comes equipped with tilt and temperature sensors and features an RS232 interface, allowing easy integration with drones. Its lightweight and durable design make it ideal for deployment in challenging environments, offering accurate underwater data collection for small to large-scale water bodies. The echo sounder provides a versatile, efficient solution for detailed underwater mapping without the need for traditional manned vessels.

Oct 01, 2024

Measur