Drones on the Job: Security Guard?

Written by Andre Louis-Ferdinand

In times past, the “railroad dick” (security guard) has always been a club-wielding, cigar-chomping sentry hell-bent on protecting cargo and ousting hobos. However, modern railway security has dropped its rough edges, trading clubs for an HD cameras and airborne rotors in place of brawn.

One of Poland’s largest freight rail carriers has successfully deployed drones to deter cargo theft. PKP Cardgo began testing its drone security force in one of the nation’s most theft-heavy provinces, resulting in a 60 percent drop in stolen goods.

“The use of drones certainly has had a substantial effect on such good result and it is worth remembering that it was only the period of testing the devices,” Maciej Borecki, PKP Head of Security said.

These drones are practically inaudible in the air — moreover, they are difficult to spot due to small size and color. It definitely makes them more effective than security cameras because they make it difficult for criminals to "case" a rail yard. Overall, coal thefts have declined by 36 percent thanks to the drone patrols while stolen scrap metal pilfering dropped by 62 percent. This has contributed to some commodity prices dropping in the region by nearly 5%.

Imagine if this technology is implemented on a grander scale in a variety of industries. Fore example, the same technology that has made wireless alarm systems so popular will soon allow home owners  to have their own private drone that will activate when an unauthorized entry is made, either automatically, or if you prefer, when you give the launch signal. For more on home drone security systems, click HERE.

“Drones will surely find many other applications – we will use them, for example, to check whether the wagons returned by our customers were emptied properly. This will significantly shorten the time of such inspections, necessary for smooth work,” Borecki said.