Liverpool aiming to be a driving force in drone tech
UK-based startup Drone Major has announced the launch of the first-ever drone technology test and development area project to be created in the Liverpool City Region.
The scheme is to be delivered in partnership with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) with the aim of putting the region on the path to becoming a global leader in the deployment of cutting-edge drone technology.
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Titled Phoenix I, it is the first in a series of interconnected projects developed by the group alongside several regional partners to deliver commercially viable, scalable and environmentally sustainable drone services across all environments and various sectors vital for the UK's economy.
The project promises numerous benefits to the region, creating new investment and economic growth, employment, skills, education and a cleaner environment.
The LCRCA has played an instrumental convening role working with Drone Major Group to facilitate the active involvement of many of the region’s most vital stakeholders in the delivery of the project.
A roadmap has been created for this unique project which identifies key themes, outlining a clear pathway to develop operational drone capabilities to be delivered in the fields such as urban logistics, the environment, security, maritime logistics as well as in community roles.
All projects within the newly established Phoenix programme, which currently comprises 10 new initiatives addressing these sectors across the UK, will share a common operational model and advanced data analysis to ensure that progress accelerates exponentially.
This commercially accelerating approach is set to stimulate the Liverpool City Region’s inward investment opportunities while enhancing the region's global recognition as a hub for cutting-edge technological innovation.
The LCRCA has committed to a strict decarbonisation agenda, together with the grant of Freeport status for the Liverpool City Region announced by the Chancellor in his budget speech on 3 March 2021.
Liverpool benefits from some of the country’s most outstanding digital infrastructure, academic knowledge and individual experts who will be integral to realising the potential of autonomous drone systems in the UK.
Institutions such as the University of Liverpool’s Centre for Autonomous Systems Technology (CAST), Liverpool Institute for Sustainable Coasts and Oceans (LISCO) and Virtual Engineering Centre (VEC), and the drone research group at Liverpool John Moores University could help it drive progress for drone technology and greater digitalisation efforts.
Robert Garbett, the founder of Drone Major Group said that drones represent an unprecedented growth opportunity across a huge number of global industries.
He added: "Liverpool City Region has clearly demonstrated its commendable intent to adopt a sustainable and commercially viable drone technology system for the City, ahead of the curve, which sets an example to all.
“The potential for this unique collaborative initiative is vast. It enables cities, regions and industries to achieve their potential and will create an overwhelmingly positive impact on the UK, and indeed world economic growth through enhanced commerce, employment, skills, education and decarbonisation.”
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Liverpool's Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram referred to the city as a "digital powerhouse."
"We have the world-class infrastructure, expertise and ambition to be leaders for Industry 4.0. It’s fantastic to see the Drone Major Group recognising that by choosing to open their test and development area here," he added.
“This project will deliver new jobs and investment and will attract people to our area not just to work but to study too, knowing that we are working on cutting edge and exciting projects such as this, as well as ambitious plans in everything from digital infrastructure and tidal power.”
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