Aquiline Drones Embarks on Nationwide Campaign – Using Disruptive Technologies: Drones and AI cameras to Fight Unsightly Graffiti.

HARTFORD, Conn., Feb. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Aquiline Drones Embarks on Nationwide Campaign – Using Disruptive Technologies: Drones and AI cameras to Fight Unsightly Graffiti.

Unsightly graffiti is a menace to communities and metropolises, worldwide! More than just a nuisance, graffiti is a form of vandalism, making it a crime that devalues property and consumes valuable police time and other public resources.

Moreover, graffiti negatively affects communities by creating a perception of neglect or disorder, lowering property values, deterring businesses, and contributing to feelings of insecurity among residents, especially if associated with gang activity or offensive content.

Globally, cities like Sydney invest in anti-graffiti technologies such as surveillance cameras and protective coatings on walls, to prevent graffiti before it happens. Clearly however, these efforts, while seemingly progressive, prove inadequate by only scratching the surface. As is the case with graffiti tagging, the problem recurs – even increasing and likely fostering retaliation by taggers.

Thankfully, a more complete solution has emerged. An absolute game-changer in the fight against graffiti by taking it one step farther and aiming to largely eradicate it. This timely solution blends key technologies – smart cameras, artificial intelligence (AI) and graffiti drones…yes, drones, ready to get the job done once and for all!

CT-based Aquiline Drones (AD) – a drone technology enterprise, has debuted the only proven solution available today. that is a complete and highly effective technology solution that can reduce the recurrence of graffiti by a factor of 10, especially in harder-to-reach areas.

Having successfully incubated this solution aided by prime customer, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), AD now embarks on a nationwide campaign targeting States, and their municipalities and regions to significantly reduce the occurrence of this problem.

“If technology benefits society, I say let it. And let’s be deliberate about success while we’re at it!” says Barry Alexander, Founder and CEO of Aquiline Drones. “Time to make America clean again” Alexander continues.

Currently, graffiti-based vandalism is on a sharp increase in America – globally too, costing an estimated $12 billion (in the US alone) in annual cleanup expenses! Even worse is that this expense is incurred by public entities and thus, taxpayers. In most cases, residents also incur costs to remove graffiti from their private property.

Disruptive Technology that Works – AD’s Graffiti Abatement (GA) solution

AD’s GA solution is results-oriented. Its primary goal is to significantly reduce graffiti tagging incidences nationwide by a factor of 10. As an example, in Seattle, Washington, a city of approximately 755,000 residents, city agencies removed 5,000 graffiti tags in 2019 and 8,700 in 2021. In 2023, KIRO-TV reported that there were around 20,000 graffiti reports in 2021 – a sharp and uncontrollable increase!

Using the city of Seattle again as an example, the city’s Graffiti Nuisance Ordinance requires property owners to remove graffiti within 10 days of receiving a notice. If graffiti is gang or hate related, it must be removed within 48 hours. Property owners who don’t remove graffiti within the 10-day window may face fines of up to $5,000.

Applying AD’s turnkey GA solution to the city of Seattle and its stats, would probably realize a reduction in the number of graffiti tags from 20,000 (in 2023) to 2,000 while remaining sensitive to societal expression through acceptable forms of street art. Contextually, while Seattle has an ordinance against graffiti tagging, the city does recognize the value of street art and has commissioned murals from local artist.

AD’s solution starts with surveillance. Single or multiple sites can be monitored simultaneously, equipped with security cameras. AD’s cameras are solar powered, cloud connected via LTE and have night vision IR (infrared), with its live feed stored both locally and on AD’s proprietary cloud and backed up on Amazon Web Services (AWS). AD’s AI framework accesses these camera feeds and uses Machine Vision to analyze the data to detect any human object(s) in the vicinity of the monitored sites. This refined model uses AI detection to identify specific acts such as graffiti painting, other illegal acts, loitering, etc. The camera data is then analyzed and persons detected in the vicinity triggers email notifications to email addresses supplied by the Department of Transportation (DoT) and sent to Traffic Management Centers (TMCs) and law enforcement. Analyzed data is stored and made available to the client(s). Data transmission and storage occurs within the US, on local servers.

AD’s framework utilizes domestic LTE carriers along with AWS (Amazon’s cloud) as backup to the AD Cloud, which provides the highest levels of data security.

AD’s GA solution is broken down into two distinctive phases: 1) Surveillance/monitoring, analytics, and push notification; and 2) Graffiti abatement using AD’s Spartacus Endure drones.

For surveillance, AD uses AI enabled smart cameras to provide real time monitoring while computing on the edge, to detect occurrences of graffiti and vandalism. For suspected incidents, AD uses highly accurate computer vision and machine learning on the AD Cloud to further eliminate false positives. This process is highly autonomous and strongly protective of all personally identifiable information (PII) from the processed data.

Graffiti Abatement (GA). At center stage of the solution is AD’s anti-graffiti drone – the Spartacus Endure, Power-Washing, Painting & Graffiti drone, which is the most versatile in its class. The Endure is the only drone on the market capable of performing multiple challenging tasks using the same drone by simply swapping out its payload (its undercarriage).

Customers can choose from an assortment of payloads: spray bars, straight lances, carrying baskets, winches, cameras/sensors, seed spreaders/hoppers, ag spraying tanks and bars, droppers (used for lifeguard pontoon drops), etc. to have an absolute workhorse like no other!

“Think of the Endure as your trusted John Deere tractor. Change out the bucket and off you go.” Alexander continues.

The versatility of AD’s Spartacus Endure drone is what makes it unique. It’s literally unmatched, giving users’ ultimate freedom and flexibility. This versatility is highly-beneficial to those customers already owning an Endure drone, for example, increasing its utility by targeting seasonal work.

Existing Endure owners or prospective customers wanting to start their own power-washing or painting and graffiti-removal business now have the right tool to target these never-ending graffiti removal contracting opportunities. On the public sector (municipalities) side of things, customers can perform different tasks within their jurisdiction, using the same drone.

Imagine municipalities across its many regions using the same drone or a fleet of drones simultaneously, to target multiple sites for graffiti removal and then switch out payloads if desired, in three minutes or less to go power-wash overhead retro reflective highway signage, or to go de-ice electrical pylons, etc. The list goes on, and on!

In his final report, Mike Gauger, Maintenance Superintendent at WASDOT and program visionary adds “The drone program provides a very effective additional tool for graffiti removal in locations where it can mitigate the risk of employee injury due to the graffiti’s precarious locations. It also provides a more cost-effective way to handle graffiti removal from all locations where specialized equipment is required”

Mike concludes by saying “The use of drones to remove graffiti in dangerous and difficult locations is also a better use of resources. It takes less time to remove the graffiti with a drone compared to traditional methods, which deters “retagging.” His story is shared in this short, but one of many, YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVbHRiLVveE

AD provides the entire solution and gives customers the option to pick from an a-la-carte menu:

Drones and associated hardware (built in-house – made in America, Hartford CT.)

Surveillance cameras/hardware (vendor supplied). Back-end digital dashboard, AI analytics, push notifications, etc. (all done by AD)

Training (online, in-house and onsite option). Online training: AD’s proprietary online prep course (Flight to the Future or F2F). Watch YouTube video tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgd0zD-mcw4&t=17s

With one simple way to get started – via phone call or email:

Email: Info@aquilinedrones.com
Phone: (860) 361-7958

ABOUT AQUILINE DRONES:

Aquiline Drones Corporation (AD) is an all-American drone technology company specializing in drone manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), and superior drone pilot training. AD is also self-insured through Aquiline Drones Indemnity Corporation (ADIC). AD’s core management comprises highly experienced aviators, systems engineers, IT gurus, military personnel (including veterans), and business strategists. AD delivers a vertically integrated blend of products and services. AD’s full spectrum of technological solutions is widely applicable across countless industries and environments for superior, real-time data processing and insights. Visit www.AquilineDrones.com for more information.

Media Contact
Barry Alexander, Aquiline Drones Corporation, 1 860-361-7958, info@aquilinedrones.com, https://aquilinedrones.com/

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SOURCE Aquiline Drones Corporation

Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education Designates FAU as ‘R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production’

BOCA RATON, Fla., Feb. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Florida Atlantic University has officially established itself among the most prestigious colleges and universities in the United States for its notable accomplishments in research. It now holds the esteemed designation of “R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, and shares this status with less than 5% of the nearly 4,000 universities in the U.S.

“The R1 designation is a highly coveted achievement in the collegiate world, symbolizing the pinnacle of research excellence,” said FAU President Stacy Volnick. “This designation is more than just a title; it serves as a powerful catalyst for transformation, opening doors to major donors and research grants that will elevate our institution’s capabilities and reach.”

In the competitive landscape of higher education, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education plays a pivotal role in determining a university’s standing. To qualify for the R1 status, institutions must meet a stringent set of criteria such as the number of research doctorates awarded and total research expenditures. FAU is now the sixth institution in the Florida State University System to hold R1 status.

“Since its inception, the university’s efforts have been propelled by the tremendous support of our federal congressional delegation and the state’s steadfast commitment to advancing academic research that is crucial to the United States’ safety, security and global competitiveness,” Volnick said.

FAU faculty members drive the university’s rapidly expanding external funding portfolio through their scholarly work, including externally funded research projects, peer-reviewed publications, and initiatives in indexing and polling. In fiscal year 2023-24, FAU received 408 awards and garnered approximately $109 million in research expenditures. Among its most notable awards last year, was a $10 million grant awarded to FAU’s College of Education and College of Engineering and Computer Science from the U.S. Department of Education to train people with disabilities for high-tech jobs.

The prestige associated with R1 status acts like a magnet, drawing in world-class faculty and top-tier students eager to be part of an elite academic community. This influx of talent enhances the university’s academic landscape and boosts its national prestige.

“Ultimately, the R1 designation empowers Florida Atlantic to address pressing societal issues head-on, contributing to advances in health, technology and policy,” said Gregg Fields, Ph.D., FAU vice president for research. “This alignment with societal needs enhances the university’s mission and reinforces its commitment to making a meaningful impact on the world. In this way, the R1 status is beyond an accolade; it’s a vital tool for driving progress.”

FAU is a trailblazer in research, pioneering high-resolution imaging and innovative underwater technologies, including submersibles and remotely operated vehicles. In 1965, it launched the nation’s first undergraduate ocean engineering program, now a State University Program of Distinction. FAU also drives innovation in national security, cybersecurity and biomedical research, making breakthroughs in neuroscience, cardiovascular health and cancer. Its environmental research tackles renewable energy, water quality, sustainability and habitat conservation. Beyond the natural sciences, FAU excels in social sciences, education, arts, literature, history and political science, fostering interdisciplinary connections between culture and society.

FAU’s robust graduate programs also play a crucial role in supporting the research enterprise, cultivating a skilled workforce and nurturing the next generation of researchers. Students benefit from unique research opportunities and internships, immersing themselves in a rich academic environment that encourages exploration and discovery. Research laboratories benefit from talented graduate student assistance in the discovery process.

Looking toward the future, FAU is focused on expanding its graduate programs in key areas such as biotechnology, AI, cybersecurity and marine sciences. The university is committed to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that students and faculty members work across departments to drive innovation. To support this growth, FAU plans to enhance its research infrastructure, investing in state-of-the-art laboratories, specialized centers and advanced technology to facilitate leading-edge research in various fields such as life sciences, engineering and smart health.

Collaboration will remain a cornerstone of FAU’s development, with established partnerships like those with the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Memorial Healthcare, Florida Power & Light and many others — and is expected to grow even stronger. The university also is committed to expanding its global reach, building international research partnerships and providing students with opportunities for global engagement.

“At Florida Atlantic, we are not just building a university — we are shaping a future where discovery knows no boundaries, collaboration drives innovation, and education transforms lives,” Fields said. “The challenges we face today demand bold solutions, and Florida Atlantic is prepared to lead the way.”

About Florida Atlantic University: Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, Florida Atlantic serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses located along the Southeast Florida coast. In recent years, the University has doubled its research expenditures and outpaced its peers in student achievement rates. Through the coexistence of access and excellence, Florida Atlantic embodies an innovative model where traditional achievement gaps vanish. Florida Atlantic is designated as a Hispanic-serving institution, ranked as a top public university by U.S. News & World Report, and holds the designation of “R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Florida Atlantic shares this status with less than 5% of the nearly 4,000 universities in the United States. For more information, visit www.fau.edu.

Media Contacts: Gisele Galoustian
Senior Media Relations Director, Research and Health
ggaloust@fau.edu
Mobile: 561-985-4615

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SOURCE Florida Atlantic University

JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sigenergy, a leading energy innovator, hosted an exclusive event on February 14 in Johannesburg to highlight its groundbreaking commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage solutions. The event featured a real-world case study that showcased the impact of Sigenergy’s products in addressing energy challenges in the region. With over 350 industry leaders, distributors, and installers from across Africa in attendance, the event facilitated thought-provoking discussions among professionals on the growing importance of energy storage in shaping the continent’s future.

Driving Rapid Growth and Global Market Leadership

Sigenergy’s rapid expansion in energy storage was highlighted by Samuel Zhang, President and CTO of Sigenergy, in his opening speech. Zhang specifically acknowledged the crucial support from Herholdt’s Group, South Africa’s largest distributor. “In just one year, Sigenergy has become the fastest-growing inverter company in history. With the backing of our global network of partners, we’ve become the preferred choice for top distributors in markets such as the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Sweden, Australia, and the U.S.,” Zhang stated.

In South Africa alone, Sigenergy achieved nearly 100 MWh in order volume within just seven months, capturing close to 10% of the market share. Globally, the company’s SigenStor system has received high satisfaction ratings, with approximately 90% of homeowners and installers expressing their approval in a 2024 global customer survey.

Addressing Load-Shedding with 0ms Switching

A key highlight of the event was the on-site demonstration of Sigenergy’s SigenStor energy storage solution at South Ocean Electric Wire, a cable manufacturer based in Alberton, South Africa. The company had faced frequent load-shedding, which not only disrupted production but also caused significant financial losses. Relying on costly and environmentally harmful diesel generators had become unsustainable. However, after installing 96 SigenStor units, providing a total of 4.1 MWh of capacity, the factory is now able to operate without interruption.

Sigenergy also enabled a seamless transition from grid to off-grid power with 0ms switching. The system includes Sigenergy’s Energy Gateway C1200, which delivers 1200 kW of power and ensures up to five hours of backup during load-shedding events. As the only company in Africa able to offer such large-scale gateways, Sigenergy can also customize even larger gateways to meet the diverse needs of clients, all with incredibly fast response times.

Innovating for the Future: New Solutions

During the event, Sigenergy unveiled several cutting-edge products that underscore its commitment to continuous innovation. The SigenStack, in particular, stood out as a premier energy storage solution for large-scale C&I and utility applications. Featuring a modular architecture and hybrid inverter, SigenStack delivers between 50 kW and 125 kW of power, with a scalable design that supports up to 100 units in parallel, achieving capacities of several hundred megawatts. This adaptability makes it ideal for even the most complex energy projects.

Additionally, Sigenergy introduced the Sigen Hybrid 2nd Generation and Sigen Gateway HomePro SP/TP. Alongside its hardware advancements, Sigenergy continues to prioritize software development, with the mySigen App offering an industry-leading energy management experience. Regular updates every 3-4 weeks ensure the app remains at the forefront, delivering a smarter, more intuitive experience for installers and end-users alike.

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