Streamlining drone operations: Development of world’s first platform for certified aerials

TECH STACK:
Airmap AP|Firebase|Google API|React|React Native
SERVICES:
Back-end Development|Cloud Solutions|Mobile App Development
PARTNERSHIP

The Client

Client Achievements:

PROJECT SCOPE

The Challenge

STRATEGIES AND EXECUTION

What Was Done

Ralabs started the project with a thorough market research phase. After identifying the needs of drone pilots, we developed a mobile application tailored for tablet use in both landscape and portrait modes. The app integrated various functionalities:

  • Real-time geolocation tracking and geofencing to alert pilots about restricted areas.
  • A job management system that interfaces with a web platform for creating and managing tasks.
  • Checklist features for pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight operations, ensuring compliance with safety and legal standards.

Implemented features

feature:/ 01
AirMap Integration

The app integrates AirMap service to verify airspace legality, providing real-time data on flight restrictions, air traffic releases, and location-specific documentation. 

feature:/ 02
Compliance Management

The app seamlessly integrates with Skytango’s backend servers through secure API calls, allowing pilots to view and manage licenses, insurance, and compliance records in a centralized location.

feature:/ 03
Pilot Profiles

Drone operators can log in and fill in the profile with their license, insurance, drones types, and pending locations. They also get all their data about flight restrictions, air traffic releases, any documents that are needed to fly in that area, weather forecasts and map.

feature:/ 04
Geolocation Services and Google Weather API

Provides crucial location data and real-time weather updates for pre-flight planning and in-flight operations.

feature:/ 05
Firebase Integration

Facilitates backend functionalities and data management.

feature:/ 06
Mapbox Integration

Offers diverse map options for superior situational awareness.

Additional features

  1. The app facilitates the collection of aerial data (videos, photos, and surveys) with automatic location tagging. It offers the option for local device storage or cloud upload for flexibility.
  2. Utilizing GPS location data and pre-defined geofence boundaries, the app warns pilots when entering restricted airspace, promoting safety and adherence to regulations.
  3. Work Management Feature allows pilots to manage their work schedules, receive orders directly from clients, and communicate with them through the application.
  4. Clients can search for qualified drone pilots on a real-time map based on their location.

Project Management

Approach:/ 01
Agile Project Management

Ensuring the project remained efficient and responsive to evolving requirements throughout development.

Approach:/ 02
Proactive Tracking

Two-week sprints, allowing for iterative development and quick adaptation to changing requirements.

Approach:/ 03
Regular Communication

Regular planning and retrospective meetings ensured continuous improvement and alignment with project goals.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Results

World-First Drone Delivery of Medicine

Skytango's mobile app played a central role in the world's first drone delivery of diabetes medicine by Vodafone Ireland. The app facilitated a 21.7 km flight from Connemara Airport to Inis Mór, Aran Islands. The return leg was slightly shorter, covering a total distance of 21.6 km. Read more

Long-Distance, Single-Battery Flight

The app supported a round-trip delivery exceeding 43 km, using a Wingcopter 178 Heavy Lift drone, all on a single battery charge

Global Impact on Remote Healthcare

This pioneering trial marks a significant step forward for drone technology in improving healthcare access in remote regions. It paves the way for further research into drone corridor planning and broader use of drone-based logistics for essential medical supplies

IoT Connectivity Enables Future Planning

The flight's successful use of Vodafone Ireland's IoT network allowed real-time data exchange, ensuring regulatory compliance. Long-range flights can potentially be mapped using existing radio frequency networks, opening doors for wider adoption of drone-based medical supply deliveries

Improved Safety and Compliance

Real-time data integration (AirMap, Google Weather) within the app ensured airspace awareness and weather updates, contributing to a safe and compliant flight adhering to aviation regulations

TECHNOLOGIES IN USE

Tech Stack

Ralabs designed a path to cover the issues our previous developers left us with. They began bystabilizing our platform and fixed problems with our critical systems. Ralabs implemented UX/UIfeatures and performed backend development across our Google accounts, AWS, and other platforms.
Steven Flynn
CEO & Co-Founder, Skytango

Daniel

Head of Engineering at Ralabs

Overcome Drone Management Challenges

Reduce pre-flight preparation time, improve communication, and gain real-time data

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