Michigan Central and ResilienX have joined forces to demonstrate how a shared, outcomes-based drone-as-a-service model can provide aerial content for Detroit-area media organisations.
ResilienX’s On-Demand Regional Intelligent Operations Network (ORION-X) will integrate directly into local newsroom workflows to provide newsworthy content on demand. Organisations request a mission and receive the data, without requiring their own fleet, pilots or flight regulations.
“The Advanced Aerial Innovation Region (AAIR) at Michigan Central exists to accelerate deployment of drone technology in real-world dense urban environments,” said Matt Whitaker, Director of Innovation Platform at Michigan Central. “Beyond demonstrations, we are focused on supporting repeatable operations at scale. This initiative brings together infrastructure, policy, and partners to prove what daily, dependable aerial capture can look like in Detroit.”
By aligning technical operations with Detroit’s innovation district and partners, the pilot aims to satisfy urgent editorial needs and safe, compliant drone commercial needs.
“Detroit is the right proving ground for outcomes-based drone services,” said Andrew Carter, CEO of ResilienX. “With ORION-X, , which is exactly the kind of model that helps media move at the speed of news.”
The programme will also document lessons learned and operational data that can guide expansion across Michigan. Insights from Detroit will be used to help shape templates for scale, including regulatory approaches, technical integration patterns and service delivery models that can be replicated by other cities and commercial partners.
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