# Avalanche Search-and-Rescue Drones The 'Powderbee' Drone is Compact, Lightweight and Efficient By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2020-02-07 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/powderbee-drone References: [yankodesign](https://www.yankodesign.com/2020/02/06/avalanche-rescue-drone-helps-rescue-trapped-skiers-by-locating-them-under-the-snow/) & [bluebirdmountain.de](https://www.bluebirdmountain.de/) The 'Powderbee' drone has been developed by Bluebird Mountain as an effective piece of technology for search-and-rescue teams that will aid them in their protocol to find skiers who have become trapped by an avalanche. The drone works by [flying high above the ground](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-matrice-400) and tracking a wearable beacon to let responders know exactly where they need to dig to find the person. The [drone can cover far more ground](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vita-bladeless) than human search-and-rescue teams, and will automatically land within five meters of the victim to drastically cut down on the search process. The 'Powderbee' drone is optimized for use under harsh conditions and is suited for flying in blizzards or high winds to help avoid unnecessary death amongst skiers who fall victim to an avalanche. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 61% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/robots) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Search-and-rescue Drones:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced drone technologies with improved tracking capabilities for efficient search-and-rescue operations. - **Wearable Beacons:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create smaller, more powerful wearable beacons that can be easily tracked by search-and-rescue drones, improving their accuracy in locating victims. - **Optimized Drone Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Enhance drone design and functionality to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as blizzards or high winds, making them ideal for avalanche search-and-rescue missions. ### Who This Affects Most - **Drone Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate advanced tracking systems and improved landing features into drones used for search-and-rescue purposes, enhancing their effectiveness in critical situations. - **Wearable Tech:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop smaller, more reliable wearable beacons with increased tracking capabilities, enabling better communication between victims and search-and-rescue teams. - **Outdoor Safety Equipment:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create specialized outdoor safety equipment designed for avalanche scenarios, including advanced beacon technology and protective gear for skiers and snowboarders. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Extreme-Heat Firefighting Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firedrone-by-empa.md) - [Flame-Resistant Firefighting Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firefighting-drones.md) - [Blade-Free First Responder Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ems-drone.md) - [Incline-Friendly Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modified-drone.md) - [Danger-Embracing Underwater Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dangerembracing-underwater-drones.md) - [Rescue Architecture Concept](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lynx-1.md) - [Autonomous Emergency Drone Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polestar-duo.md) - [Bladeless Rescue Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vita-bladeless.md) - [Customized Volcano-Monitoring Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/littleraven.md)