Drone experiments kick off in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm
September 15, 2021
Employing information for mapping and topographical survey purposes
Drone experiments kick off in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm
Duqm - September 15, 2021
The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) saw this week the launch of using unmanned aircrafts (Drones) experiments, reflecting the interest of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) to benefit from such technologies. These drones will be used for the purposes of mapping, topographical surveying and preparing 3D models for the Zone.
The pilot demonstration, organised by OPAZ, in cooperation with Esbaar Company, included flying around Duqm Frontier residential complex with 360 degrees filming. Hence, all the visuals will be automatically converted into a 3D design or model afterward.
This demo comes as part of a set of experiments that will be conducted in the future, including experiments for inspection and delivering food and postal parcels, and other trails, aimed at providing aerial data and images that contribute to building comprehensive, accurate visions. Introducing this technology serves to enhance the capabilities and techniques used by engineers in construction and maintenance. Likewise, it will improve the implementation of technical operations to ensure a better accuracy, increase productivity and efficiency as well as reducing business interruption.
Commenting on organising this event, Qusai bin Saif Al Ismaili, Systems Analyst at the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, said: “Organising this first of its kind demo experience in SEZAD reflects OPAZ objective aimed to benefit from implementing artificial intelligence techniques in different activities in the Zone. As well, it comes in line with OPAZ initiatives to support local companies specialised in artificial intelligence and providing the opportunity for Omani youth to develop their skills and capabilities in this field”.
On the other hand, Khalid bin Amer Al Hajri, Drone Operator at Esbaar Company, pointed out: “We express our profound thanks to the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones for giving us the opportunity to conduct an experiment in operating drones in Duqm. The exceptional weather and varying wind speeds enabled us to identify these different conditions from the rest of the Sultanate”.
“This marks our first experience in Duqm, serving as a valuable addition to our practical know-how, through which we were able to study the weather condition and develop a proper work plan without any obstacles. The experiment was very successful as we could use two types of drones to collect data”, he added.
The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, through the steering committee formed to supervise the area designated for artificial intelligence in the Special Economic Zone of Duqm, covering an area of 18 square kilometres, is seeking to attract such experiments and resettle them in the Zone.
It is worth noting that Esbaar is an Omani company specialised in providing artificial intelligence services and autonomous systems.
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