ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA), a technology company specializing in AI drone solutions and enterprise SaaS solutions, has announced that its subsidiary ZenaDrone has commenced the first US flight testing of the ZenaDrone 1000 drone in the Arizona desert near Phoenix. This milestone comes after years of development and recent approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The flight testing includes new hardware and software configurations, aimed at refining and building the reliability of the ZenaDrone 1000 for applications in agriculture, defense, security, and land surveying. Concurrently, the company is expanding its offices, operations, and partnerships in Arizona.
CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D., expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating, ‘This is the first of many test flights and demonstrations that will help us refine and build the reliability of the ZenaDrone 1000 solutions for various applications where we see demand.’
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), the state’s economic development organization, has been a longstanding collaboration partner for ZenaTech. Kevin O’Shea, Senior Vice President of International Trade for the ACA, welcomed the company’s growing presence in Arizona and expressed enthusiasm for the live testing of the ZenaDrone 1000 product in Arizona’s skies.
ZenaTech recently received an exemption from the FAA for visual line-of-sight commercial applications and data collection in the US, subject to specified conditions and limitations. This approval enables the company to conduct live testing and evaluation of the ZenaDrone 1000 with US-based partners and potential customers. The company is also in the process of obtaining an aerial spraying license (14 CFR Part 137) for agricultural applications.
The ZenaDrone 1000 is designed for stable flight, maneuverability, and heavy lift capabilities. It incorporates innovative software technology, AI, sensors, and purpose-built attachments, along with compact and rugged hardware engineered for industrial use. The drone has already been utilized on farms in Ireland for smart farming, plant tracking, and crop management, and has been piloted with the US military for delivering temperature-controlled critical medical supplies.
This development represents a significant step forward in the commercial drone industry, potentially impacting various sectors including agriculture, defense, and logistics. The successful implementation of AI-driven drone technology could lead to increased efficiency, cost savings, and improved safety in these industries.
For the agricultural sector, the ZenaDrone 1000’s capabilities in plant tracking and crop management could revolutionize farming practices, leading to more sustainable and productive agriculture. In the defense and security sectors, the drone’s potential for surveillance and delivery of critical supplies could enhance operational capabilities and safety measures.
The initiation of US flight testing also signifies ZenaTech’s commitment to expanding its presence in the American market, which could lead to job creation and economic growth in the technology sector. As the company continues to refine its technology and expand its applications, it may pave the way for broader adoption of AI-driven drone solutions across various industries.
As ZenaTech progresses with its testing and development, the outcomes of these flight tests in Arizona will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of the ZenaDrone 1000 and its potential impact on the drone industry. The success of this technology could potentially reshape how businesses approach tasks such as inspection, monitoring, and field service processes, offering new levels of efficiency and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
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