As Romeo Durscher steps again from the drone trade, going through retirement as a result of a latest well being analysis, he displays on a profession that has formed not solely expertise however lives around the globe. On this interview with DRONELIFE, Romeo shares tales from his exceptional journey—outlined by curiosity, resilience, and a dedication to creating a distinction. From working at NASA whereas additionally “taking part in” with drones, to main public security initiatives at DJI and advocating for open requirements at Auterion, to creating significant and wanted coaching and cellular robotics options at UTAC and FLYMOTION, Romeo’s voice stays a robust reminder of the influence one individual can have on a whole trade. His phrases, barely tailored right here for readability, supply a glance again on the pioneering years of the drone trade and a name to future innovators to hold ahead the values of authenticity, ethics, and function.
Romeo Durscher: A Life in Drones
After greater than a decade within the drone trade, I can hardly imagine how far we’ve come. From assembling my first drone whereas working at NASA to watching UAVs revolutionize public security, each step of this journey has felt like watching a completely new world unfold. Trying again, I see two guiding rules which have outlined my profession: following curiosity and staying true to function. These concepts have carried me via a tremendous profession, from creating artwork and testing flight algorithms to rescuing folks in crises.
The Early Days: From NASA to Uncharted Territory
In 2010, after I was nonetheless deeply concerned in NASA missions, Mark Johnson and I started experimenting with a brand new form of expertise. Multi-rotors had been virtually extraordinary, however we discovered elements from throughout and pieced collectively our personal drones. I vividly bear in mind the primary time we flew one. For Mark, it was clear this could possibly be a robust software for his forensic evaluation enterprise. For me, it unlocked one thing new—a recent perspective from the air. Working with Adobe’s Russell Preston Brown, I created aerial panoramas that had by no means been accomplished earlier than. And at NASA, we even began utilizing these early drones to check docking algorithms for the Worldwide Area Station.
I used to be dwelling a dream, contributing to NASA missions and supporting human spaceflight. However one thing about this new expertise grabbed me. I knew it had a future past NASA, particularly in public security. The reminiscence of my Swiss navy service, wishing for a real-time aerial view, fueled my need to convey drones to new areas.
Becoming a member of DJI: Constructing Drones for Public Security
Taking the leap to affix DJI as Director of Training felt like plunging into the unknown, however I knew the potential drones needed to change lives. My first objective was easy—get drones in entrance of extra folks. I needed to indicate the world what they might do, not only for leisure however for actual, life-saving work. Constructing an Training Staff, I made it a precedence to achieve not solely academia but in addition lawmakers and trade leaders who wanted to see drones’ potential.
Some moments had been simply unforgettable. We partnered with ABC Good Morning America to broadcast stay from contained in the world’s largest cave system in Vietnam. It had by no means been accomplished, and the technical challenges had been huge. However we pulled it off, and folks again within the U.S. may watch that feed stay. Then, there was the primary hearth rescue I participated in. That have reshaped every little thing for me. Quickly after, we developed the primary thermal drone payload with FLIR. It allowed us to see via smoke, into the darkness, and discover warmth signatures—a software that modified how we approached rescue missions.
Each success got here with challenges, although. In 2017, I pushed laborious for a fixed-wing VTOL, considering it may help long-range missions in rugged environments. We constructed a prototype based mostly on the M200 design, and it was virtually prepared to enter manufacturing. Sadly, the timing wasn’t proper, and it was shelved. However working in DJI’s fast-paced setting was exhilarating. Each go to to headquarters in China would reveal one thing new—a prototype right here, a brand new functionality there. It felt like concepts had been turning into actuality in weeks.
Taking Drones to the Entrance Traces of Catastrophe Response
Probably the most defining experiences of my profession got here throughout the huge wildfires in 2017 and 2018 in California. With drones, we may map the devastation, monitor hearth traces, and even find victims, all whereas giving real-time knowledge to CAL FIRE groups on the bottom. One second stands out: we had been capable of assist save animals trapped by the fires, giving a bit of hope amidst the destruction. Every deployment taught me one thing new about how drones could possibly be used to avoid wasting lives and assist communities in disaster.
Individuals have typically requested what I’m most happy with, and it’s laborious to say. There’s the primary individual I helped rescue—that may at all times stick with me. However equally essential are the instances after I hear that one thing I shared impressed another person to affix this subject. Realizing I’ve sparked that keenness in others is an unbelievable honor.
A Shift to Standardization with Auterion
At Auterion, I discovered one other distinctive alternative: the prospect to create a real ecosystem the place drones, sensors, and knowledge may movement seamlessly. I had witnessed the necessity for standardization firsthand at DJI, so Auterion’s mission of open-source growth was one thing I felt drawn to. Constructing this ecosystem, I envisioned a world the place platforms may function within the air, on land, and even at sea, all utilizing a unified management system. We had been making an attempt to ascertain the “USB” of cellular robotics—plug-and-play expertise that will unlock true interoperability.
After all, it wasn’t simple. Working in a smaller, venture-capital-driven setting got here with totally different sorts of pressures, however I believed in what we had been constructing. At Auterion, we needed to create one thing that will outlast any single firm—a framework the place anybody may take part and innovate.
Studying from Public Security, and Giving Again
One of many privileges of my profession has been working intently with public security professionals. Via collaborations with organizations just like the European Emergency Quantity Affiliation (EENA), we developed rigorous trials and set a brand new customary for integrating drones into emergency providers. Seeing this expertise work in real-time, saving lives, was immensely rewarding.
And but, this work got here with its personal challenges. In an rising subject, authenticity and ethics are every little thing. “Probably the most important classes is the significance of authenticity, truthfulness, and ethics,” I typically say. The trade has seen its share of exaggerations, with people pushing narratives for monetary acquire, which impacts not simply the trade’s status but in addition the individuals who depend on this expertise. I needed to ensure we constructed one thing that could possibly be trusted, not simply by builders however by the firefighters, law enforcement officials, and emergency responders who use it day-after-day. By default, the highlight is already on them; now with new tech it’s even worse.
The “Web Second” for Drones—and What Lies Forward
As we speak, I really imagine drones are of their “web second”—a time when this expertise is reworking how we see and work together with the world. I envision a future the place drones function autonomously, guided by AI and able to working far past visible line of sight. However getting there means embracing open requirements, plug-and-play ecosystems, and actual collaboration throughout the trade.
Think about a world the place a single operator manages a number of autonomous drones, tackling complicated missions from environmental monitoring to look and rescue. It’s not only a dream; it’s inside attain, however provided that we keep grounded in authenticity and ethics. That’s the one approach we’ll unlock the complete potential of drones in a approach that serves folks and beneficial properties the belief of individuals and governments.
Trying Ahead
As I step again from my formal profession, I’m grateful for the crew members, managers, and first responders who’ve been with me alongside the best way. Each achievement, each rescue, and each milestone was the results of unbelievable teamwork. Alone, I may by no means have accomplished it. The folks on this trade, typically working behind the scenes, are those pushing boundaries day-after-day, they usually’re those who will carry this work ahead.
My hope is that as this trade grows, it doesn’t simply chase innovation but in addition stays true to function. The longer term doesn’t want flashy taglines or large guarantees—it wants actual individuals who wish to make a distinction. As I retire, I’m able to see the subsequent wave of leaders rise. My recommendation to them? Be genuine, be true, and at all times keep in mind that the work is about greater than expertise—it’s in regards to the individuals who rely upon it.
The drone trade has given me the chance to contribute to one thing larger than myself, and for that, I’m extremely grateful. I could also be stepping away, however I’ll at all times carry the teachings, recollections, and friendships I’ve gained alongside the best way. I’m excited to see the place this expertise goes subsequent, and I’m assured it will likely be in good palms.
If you need to attach with Romeo or go away him a message within the guestbook:
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, knowledgeable drone providers market, and a fascinated observer of the rising drone trade and the regulatory setting for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles targeted on the industrial drone area and is a world speaker and acknowledged determine within the trade. Miriam has a level from the College of Chicago and over 20 years of expertise in excessive tech gross sales and advertising for brand spanking new applied sciences.
For drone trade consulting or writing, Electronic mail Miriam.
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