Meet the German Aerospace Center

DLR is the Federal Republic of Germany’s research centre for aeronautics and space, conducting research and development activities in the fields of aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security and digitalisation.

• Name: Max Friedrich
• Name of the organisation: German Aerospace Center (DLR)
• Areas of Activity: Space, aerospace, energy and transportation research
• Position in the organisation: Research Associate
• Project managers of INESC TEC with whom you have been collaborating: Helder Fontes
• Title of the project(s): ResponDrone

Interview

1. The Connection between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and INESC TEC

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) and INESC TEC have a significant connection through their collaboration in the H2020 funded project ResponDrone, which was coordinated by DLR. The ResponDrone project aimed to develop and test a drone-based situation awareness platform. This platform was designed to enhance the capabilities of first responders, enabling more effective and timely responses in the face of large-scale natural disasters. INESC TEC was one of the key consortium partners, which laid the foundation for their collaboration.

1. Main Results of the Collaboration

The collaboration between DLR and INESC TEC yielded several noteworthy results. Notably, INESC TEC successfully developed, integrated, and tested a communications payload designed to be mounted on drones. This payload serves the purpose of providing internet access in remote disaster regions, where connectivity is often a lifeline for communication, coordination, and relief efforts. This achievement demonstrated the technical expertise and innovative capabilities of INESC TEC.

1. Experience with INESC TEC

DLR’s experience with INESC TEC can be summarized as highly positive. The INESC TEC team was not only skilled but also approachable, making the collaboration productive and enjoyable. The work delivered by INESC TEC consistently met or exceeded the expected quality standards. The tasks were consistently completed on time, and reports were submitted within the agreed-upon deadlines. This reliability greatly facilitated the joint efforts.

1. What DLR Values the Most in the Collaboration

DLR mostly valued the friendliness of the team members and their reliability in delivering results which made the partnership enjoyable and effective. The project partners could always rely on INESC TEC to consistently deliver timely and high-quality work.

1. Future Expectations from the German Aerospace Center

Looking ahead, DLR is expected to continue playing a significant role in various research activities related to improving disaster management, particularly through the use of automated drones and sensor fusion methodologies. This reflects DLR’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles in disaster response. Furthermore, DLR will conduct research related to the safe integration of drones into the controlled airspace, taking into consideration the evolving regulatory and safety challenges associated with unmanned aerial systems. Additionally, DLR will focus on the development of efficient, safe, human-centered mission management and operation of multiple drones. This effort will aim to make the use of drones more practical and beneficial for a wide range of applications, including disaster management.