Drones paired with AI could help search-and-rescue teams find missing persons faster

Drones with the right sensors and AI analyzing the data could quickly find a person lost or stranded in the wilderness, crucial to keeping them alive.

By: Adeel Khalid, Kennesaw State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 24, 2026

Words: 698

Last Updated: 4 months, 1 week ago

Body Text Preview

By Adeel Khalid, Kennesaw State University

A combination of infrared imaging, thermal imaging and color cameras on an uncrewed drone, along with an AI system to interpret the data, can help emergency responders and search-and-rescue teams locate, identify and track people who have gone missing in the wilderness. The experimental system helps responders pinpoint where a missing person is and determine whether they are hurt or even alive.

People who get lost or hurt …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

About

FAQ

Email Us