Warren Witte, a local entrepreneur operating Integrated Aerial Systems, presented on the transformative potential of drone technology in industries such as agriculture, mining, and marine conservation. His talk highlighted the capabilities of electric multi-rotor drones, equipped with gyro stabilizers, GPS, and HD cameras, which are now being deployed to monitor Cape Coast ecosystems, reducing abalone poaching by 80%. While emphasizing the need for responsible use due to privacy and safety concerns, Witte underscored the technology’s role in addressing environmental challenges. The presentation also revealed the high costs and technical sophistication of such devices, with units priced at R20 000 and featuring obstacle detection and fail-safe mechanisms.
Meanwhile,