SALINA — Kansas State University Salina’s Applied Aviation Research Center (AARC) continues to advance its drone technology research by supporting law enforcement at large events, including the Kansas State Fair. Partnering with the Kansas Highway Patrol, the AARC used uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to monitor crowd activity and assist with public safety efforts during the state’s largest event, which attracts over 300,000 attendees annually.
The AARC provided a live aerial video feed to incident command, allowing law enforcement to observe real-time activity across the fairgrounds. This enhanced situational awareness enabled officers to quickly locate and respond to incidents, improving overall security and efficiency. The drones helped law enforcement track crowd movement and direct officers to areas needing immediate attention, reducing response times.
This work builds on prior research by the AARC, including similar efforts at Kelce Jam earlier in the year. Each event provides the opportunity to gather valuable data, which the AARC uses to refine its technology and improve processes. Feedback from law enforcement helps the center enhance the effectiveness of its drone support for future large-scale events.
In addition to public safety at events, AARC is also focused on developing drone technology for disaster response. Supported by grants from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Kansas Department of Transportation, the center aims to streamline communication and deploy novel technologies in emergency scenarios. Research has shown that communication breakdowns are common in such situations, and the AARC is working to address these challenges through its experience with large venues and multi-agency coordination.
“The collaboration at these events mimics the environment of a natural disaster,” said Travis Balthazor, AARC deputy director. “By refining our technology and procedures in these settings, we ensure emergency crews can respond efficiently when real crises occur.”
