New AI program could help drones avoid flying over big crowds

By Hillary K. Grigonis Published August 15, 2016

Drone safety, from privacy issues to crashing over unsuspecting pedestrians, has been a concern since, well, the dawn of the drone. But one startup is working to use artificial intelligence to help drone pilots pick the safest route.

Flock, an artificial intelligence company formed out of Imperial College London, Oxford University and Cambridge University, is currently developing a risk analysis program for commercial drones, from aerial photographers to drone use on a larger scale, such as delivering Amazon packages. The program uses real-time weather information and the location of buildings. But what’s perhaps even more impressive is that the system can also predict what areas will be full of people so it can choose a route around congested areas or a time when those areas will be less crowded.

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“We extract actionable insights and predictions from big data by extracting multiple data sources and amassing a wealth of historical data in cities,” Flock CEO Ed Leon Klinger told Digital Trends. “The machine learning element of our technology is what allows us to predict when and where certain areas of cities will become particularly hazardous for drones.”

Along with working to help increase safety for both the public and the drone’s often expensive cargo, Flock will likely be a tool for insurance companies to help quantify the risks of drone flight. Without a method for companies to predict the risks, drone insurance premiums remain high, according to Flock.

Flock uses artificial intelligence to both identify and quantify the risks of certain flights, then can calculate the safest route using the information about the weather, location of buildings and the most congested areas for people and vehicles. The platform displays risks and high traffic areas in real time on a map, but also uses several sources to predict where the potential hazards will be in order to schedule flights ahead of time.

The first test market for Flock will likely be London and Singapore, though Klinger said there is a lot of interest in the U.S. and Japan as well. While the startup doesn’t have an official release date yet, Klinger said the group is growing rapidly and currently negotiating with potential partners.

The company’s goal is to become the standard safety tool for drone use on a global scale.

Hillary K. Grigonis

Former Contributor

Hillary never planned on becoming a photographer—and then she was handed a camera at her first writing job and she's been…

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Jeep Compass EV breaks cover—but will it come to the U.S.?

jeep compass ev us newjeepcompassfirsteditionhawaii 4

Jeep just pulled the wraps off the all-new Compass EV, and while it’s an exciting leap into the electric future, there's a catch—it might not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.
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Let’s start with what’s cool: the new Compass EV is packing up to 404 miles of range on a single charge, a 74 kWh battery, and fast-charging that gets you from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Not bad for a compact SUV with Jeep's badge on the nose.
There are two versions: a front-wheel-drive model with 213 horsepower and a beefier all-wheel-drive version with 375 horsepower. That AWD setup isn’t just for looks—it can handle 20% inclines even without front traction, and comes with extra ground clearance and better off-road angles. In short, it’s still a Jeep.
The design's been refreshed too, and inside you’ll find the kind of tech and comfort you’d expect in a modern EV—sleek, smart, and ready for both city streets and dirt trails.
But here’s the thing: even though production starts soon in Italy, Jeep hasn’t said whether the Compass EV is coming to America. And the signs aren’t promising.
Plans to build it in Canada were recently put on hold, with production now delayed until at least early 2026. Some of that might have to do with possible U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican vehicles—adding a layer of uncertainty to the whole rollout.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the company has “temporarily paused work on the next-generation Jeep Compass, including activities at” the Canadian plant that was originally meant to build the model. They added that Stellantis is “reassessing its product strategy in North America” to better match customer needs and demand for different powertrain options.
So while Europe and other markets are gearing up to get the Compass EV soon, American drivers might be left waiting—or miss out entirely.
That’s a shame, because on paper, this electric Jeep hits a lot of sweet spots. Let’s just hope it finds a way over here.

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Charlie Cox in Daredevil: Born Again.

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