Researchers are working on drones that can detect a person’s heart rate. 

The University of South Australia has joined forces with drone manufacturer Draganfly Inc to develop technology which remotely detects the key symptoms of COVID-19 – breathing and heart rates, temperature, and blood oxygen levels.

The project brings together cutting edge technology, combining engineering, drones, cameras, and artificial intelligence to monitor people’s vital health signs remotely.

In September 2020, Alabama State University became the first higher education institution in the world to use the technology to spot COVID-19 symptoms in its staff and students.

Data from Draganfly drones was used to enforce social distancing, ensuring the university had one of the lowest COVID infection rates on any US campus. 

UniSA says it is collaborating with the same drone partner to address the major threat to humanity – health security – and usher in a new era of telehealth.