A startup is retrofitting helicopters to fly first responders to emergency scenes instead of sending ambulances

pulse

September 24, 2018 3:58 PM

SkyRyse uses helicopters to transport first responders to emergency scenes. The startup ran a two-week pilot this summer in Tracy, California, and it will begin full-time service in the city in January.

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A startup called SkyRyse has joined the autonomous aircraft movement, though it's taking a much different path than its competitors.

Groden, who co-founded SkyRyse in 2016, said he wants to develop autonomous flying air taxis to offer new ways for traveling safely and quickly.

The startup tried two different methods in Tracy: One entails waiting

Pilots still operate SkyRyse aircraft, which collect a significant amount of data — about a terabyte every few hours — using 360-degree camera views around the aircraft, radar sensors, and audio recordings. The startup plans on using this data to gain a better understanding of what it would take to remove the pilot from the aircraft.

Groden said he was surprised to learn that one aircraft was enough to respond to the 50 911 calls that were recorded in Tracy during the two-week period in August. SkyRyse helicopters can land anywhere and do not require a helipad, he said, adding that Tracy residents' response has been generally positive.

It is harder to imagine this going over as well in a more dense urban setting, where residents might be unsettled by a helicopter landing right next to their apartment window. Tracy's population is roughly 89,000 people.

In the future, SkyRyse also aims to tackle autonomous flight. The startup relies on a commonly-used Robinson R44 helicopter, whereas competitors like Uber and Kitty Hawk are building new aircraft. Groden said this distinction allows SkyRyse to focus on creating retrofitting technology for Robinson helicopters, ultimately eliminating the need for pilots.

SkyRyse will continue offering emergency services to first responders even when it launches air taxi services, Groden said.

"I can say very confidently that very, very soon, sooner than people expect, we will be launching air taxis," he said.

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