Drones, RemoteID and the Thrilling Future of UAS Flight - Heather Downing - NDC Oslo

Remote ID became a mandatory requirement for drones in 2023 across US and EU, acting as a “digital license plate” that broadcasts location and identification data

Two types of Remote ID broadcasting exist:

• Direct broadcast over WiFi/Bluetooth
• Network-based broadcast over cellular/internet

Remote ID data is openly accessible with no encryption or authentication, allowing tracking of drone location, altitude, speed and operator details

Key drone applications emerging:

• Infrastructure inspection
• Search and rescue operations
• Weather monitoring and storm tracking
• Delivery services
• 3D mapping and digital twins
• Agricultural uses

Major technological developments:

• Laser Power Transfer (LPT) for drone charging
• Advanced sensors (LIDAR, thermal, optical)
• Extended flight times and autonomous capabilities
• Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations

Challenges remain around:

• Limited battery life
• Integration with air traffic
• Privacy concerns with tracking
• Regulatory compliance across countries
• Safe operations in populated areas

Norway and Nordic countries are leading drone innovation, particularly in:

• Emergency medical services
• Infrastructure inspection
• Weather monitoring
• Testing new drone technologies

Future developments expected:

• Autonomous air taxis by 2024
• AI-powered drone swarms by 2035
• Expanded delivery services
• Advanced weather monitoring capabilities