How drones are used in humanitarian relief efforts? If you asked today’s guest, he’d say that they’re not only saving lives but they’re creating real sustainable, economic opportunities for local populations.

Patrick Meier is an internationally recognized expert in the field of humanitarian technology. He has consulted for the UN, Red Cross, World Bank and numerous other organizations.  His book, Digital Humanitarians, shares remarkable, real-life stories of how humanity coupled with innovative solutions to Big Data is changing humanitarian response forever. He founded the Humanitarian UAV Network (UAViators), an organization of 2,500 members in 80+ countries with a mission to promote the safe, coordinated and effective use of UAV’s for data collection and use in a wide range of settings.  He is also a consultant and author of several articles on humanitarian efforts and technology. 

Patrick presently serves as the Executive Director and Co-Founder of WeRobotics, which scales the positive impact of humanitarian aid, development and environmental projects through the use of robotics solutions, most notably, drones.  In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Patrick talks about We Robotics, how drones are used in humanitarian efforts and how Digital Humanitarians are saving lives and creating new, sustainable economic opportunities with drones.