The Challenge 

After tragedies or devastating events, emergency services are often not able to access the affected zones due to security or inaccessibility reasons. The following hours after these events are crucial to help people, so they don't die or get hurt due to the situation they are in. For example, The Vargas tragedy was a natural disaster that occurred in Vargas State, Venezuela on 14–16 December 1999, when torrential rains caused flash floods and debris flows that killed tens of thousands of people, destroyed thousands of homes, and led to the complete collapse of the state's infrastructure. Entire towns completely disappeared. The emergency services were not able to access the zone due to the heavy flooding and dangerous conditions. Many people died due to starvation and disorientation. There was no satellite nor phone signal. They were just left without anything and no help was available for days.

The Solution

We can create a network by interlinking drones (sort of Starlink) and use it to give an area coverage of radiofrequency and/or 3/4/5G cellular service. This allows us to quickly restore a network, so people in need can contact via hand radios, or their cellphones without waiting for cell towers to be repaired. Emergency and first responders can use the ad hoc radio network to connect with each other via the drone network, even in places with bad or low coverage capacity. Some drones may carry loudspeakers and mics to communicate or give orders to people under distress and not knowing what to do. Drones with lights can be used to show the way, give waypoints, and signal designated safe areas. Potentially, enough drones can be used to "write" messages. Scanners can be incorporated into drones for all kinds of readings. Another idea is that they can also be used to just shed white light to help people see. If one squadron is running out of battery, a new one replaces part by part of the chain. Areas with toxicity or viral outbreak can be safely managed. In the chain, there can be different purpose drones that can have different functions and energy consumption. AI can be used too.

The Mission

The example given before is just one of the many examples we can think of, such as today's conflict in Ukraine, or the destruction caused by hurricanes in the Caribbean islands, etc. Our mission is to help the people that are in need using modern technology in the most cost-effective way possible. Technology develops very quickly, and we must use this in making the world a better place. Aclyde will do just that so that casualties and suffering is reduced as much as possible during these types of events.

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