Icarus: An Android-Based Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Search and Rescue Eye in the Sky

Abstract

Purpose–The purpose of this paper is to develop an unmanned aerialvehicle (UAV) using a quadcopter with the capability of videosurveillance,mapcoordinates,a deployableparachute with a medicinekit or a food pack as a payload, a collision warning system, remotely controlled, integrated with an android application to assist in search andrescue operations. 2273Method–Applied research for the development of the functional prototype, quantitative and descriptive statistics to summarize data by describing the relationship between variables in a sample or population (Kaur et al., 2018). The quadcopter underwent anevaluation using a survey instrument to test its acceptability using predefined variables to selectrespondents within Caloocan City and Quezon City, Philippines. Results–Demographic profiles and known issues and concerns were answered by 30 respondents. The results were summarized and distributed in Tables 1 and 2.Discussion-In terms of demographic profiles, the number of SAR operators within the specified areas is distributed equally, most are male, single, and within the age bracket of 31 andabove. In issues and concerns, the most common type of search and rescue was groundsearch and rescue. Human error isthe primary cause of most injuries inoperating units. The prototype was useful and everyone agreed, in terms of acceptability, drone technology will improve search and rescue operations. Conclusion–Theinnovative way of utilizing Android anddronetechnologyisanewsteptowardstheimprovementofSARoperations in the Philippines.Recommendations–The LiPo battery must be replaced with a higher capacityand the drone operator should undergo a training course and secure a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).Social Implication -Some people are scared of dronesdue to privacy issuesand fears that theycould be used to spy againstthem.