Summary
Two hikers lost in Kosciuszko National Park were found within five hours using a drone that has artificial intelligence (AI) to help search and rescue. The drone used thermal cameras, a spotlight, and a speaker to locate the hikers and guide rescuers to them.Key Facts
- The hikers, two men in their 20s, went missing after not returning on time from a walk on the Dead Horse Gap track.
- Fire and Rescue NSW used an AI-powered drone with thermal imaging to find the hikers about 0.5 km off the track.
- The hikers signaled the drone with a red light from a phone, and the drone communicated back using its speaker.
- The rescue was completed in less than five hours, and the hikers had mild exposure effects but no serious injuries.
- This was the first time FRNSW’s AI drone system was used to rescue people.
- Rescuers said the drone helped reduce search time from days to hours, improving safety for both hikers and rescuers.
- Future plans include using drones to deliver emergency supplies to stranded people before rescuers arrive.
- Fire and Rescue NSW advises hikers to register their trips and use Personal Locator Beacons for safety.
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