GREENSBORO -
Greensboro could be one of the very first cities in the United States to use unmanned aircraft to enhance emergency response and public safety.
On Tuesday, city leaders heard a presentation from the CEO of Olaeris, the global company that developed the systems.
After screening 23 states and more than 100 cities, the drone designers were set on Greensboro.
Olaeris has designed an unmanned aerial system that ties in with 911 dispatch.
"So when you call in, 'Help, help help, there's a fire, a burglary, whatever,' the aircraft launches on the way within 10-seconds," said Olaeris CEO Ted Lindsley.
AVEA, as they call it, is the first unmanned aircraft that's designed to work like a virtual team member.
“It transmits not only live visuals to the dispatch center, but also to the police and firemen on the ground so they can see what's happening in real time and then adjust their response accordingly," said Lindsley.
HAECO, a company that's been in the aviation industry for 25 years, has agreed to work with Olaeris. They would make the aircraft in Greensboro
"We feel like Olaeris has the technology to really benefit the citizens of this community," said HAECO Americas Vice President Kip Blakely “HAECO Americas is working on doing the engineering, the manufacturing, the certification, and the maintenance of these unmanned aircraft."
Now Olaeris is hoping the Gate City opts to use the new technology. City council members have expressed concerns; the FAA hasn't approved this machine and some don't want Greensboro to be the test market.
"We have to make sure that as council members we're focusing on the bottom line and making sure that tax payer dollars are used efficiently," said Greensboro City Council member Justin Outling.
The start-up cost for the city would be nearly $6 million over a five year period, but Lindsley said they don't have to pay until his company delivers.
Greensboro Police Department Deputy Chief Brian James said he sees privacy rights being an issue, but he also sees potential benefits.
"There's a number of situations that I can think of that it would be a benefit to see what's actually going on before we arrive," said James.
Lindsley said it's not a spy drone or a surveillance tool, it's purpose is to respond to calls for help. In turn helping first responders protect the Gate City.
Greensboro city leaders said they still have numerous questions. They plan to dive into more details at their next work session.
Similarly Macon-Bibb officials in Georgia, a second location Olaeris is hoping to get on board, did not take a vote Tuesday night. Instead leaders opted for more time to research and discuss further what the plan would mean.