USA and ASMS students showcase drone research

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The University of South Alabama and the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science showcased their advanced drone research.

The event featured faculty- and student-built autonomous drones, rovers, boats and submarines. The vehicles are meant to assist regional first responders.

Organizers said the drones can help find or deliver supplies during disaster recovery or life-saving operations. One drone delivered an AED to a drop point during the showcase.

Bushan Lohar, an assistant professor in systems engineering at the University of South Alabama, said the submarine is one of his favorites.

“In the future, I want to see this submarine going into the water and diving 10 feet down and see what’s happening in Mobile Bay, as well as the last drone that we were flying that connects to the VR goggles, you don’t see that happening every day,” Lohar said.

Lohar said a project like the drone is in its prototype stage. It could take another year for it to be fully ready.