In the picturesque municipality of Skara, Sweden, an innovative endeavor named the Skara Skyddsängel project embarked on a mission to revolutionize the concept of nighttime cycling safety. Tackling the challenge of inadequate lighting on bike paths, especially during the long, dark Swedish winters, this project proposed a novel solution: the use of drones for dynamic, on-demand bicycle path illumination. Aimed at enhancing safety and comfort for cyclists, this initiative stood at the intersection of technological innovation, sustainable mobility, and community welfare. The project's journey began with meticulous planning and development of a drone lighting system, featuring commercial drones equipped with powerful LED spotlights. The technical prowess of these drones was matched with a suite of sophisticated software for precise navigation and cyclist tracking. The endeavor then extended into the realm of user experience. A series of user studies, including initial pilot tests, focus groups, and extensive field trials, were conducted. Participants first experienced the innovative lighting in a virtual setting with VR headsets. After further improvements, cyclists were invited and test the solution in real-world settings, providing invaluable feedback. The feedback from these user studies painted a picture of success and potential. Most participants expressed a sense of increased safety and comfort under the watchful illumination of the drones. The lighting was deemed effective, with its broad and strong coverage enhancing visibility significantly. While the technology showed immense promise, it also pointed out areas for refinement, such as improving drone stability and light distribution. The project's reach extended beyond the confines of Skara through an aggressive dissemination campaign. It garnered attention through press releases, was a subject of discussion in various media outlets, and featured prominently in events like Kista Mobility Day in Stockholm and the GMC Global Mobility Call in Spain. The project's milestones and findings were also shared at international conferences, including the prestigious Human-Computer Interaction International (HCII) 2023, the annual POLIS conference 2023, as well as Transportforum 2024. The Skara Skyddsängel project stands as a testament to the potential of integrating advanced technology into everyday life to enhance safety and promote sustainable practices. It underscores the feasibility of drone-based lighting solutions as a viable alternative to traditional infrastructure, particularly in resource-constrained settings. As the project transitions from concept to reality, it highlights the importance of continued innovation, regulatory considerations, and public engagement. The road ahead calls for further technical enhancements, broader user studies, and a deep dive into the regulatory and ethical aspects of drone usage, as well as economic analysis. In conclusion, the Skara Skyddsängel project is not just about bringing light to dark paths; it's about envisioning a future where technology and human-centric design converge to create safer, more inclusive, and sustainable communities. The project not only illuminates bike paths but also lights the way for future endeavors aiming to merge technology with public welfare.
2023. , p. 29
The project is financed by the SwedishInnovation Agency Vinnova with project number 2021-03044.