I can't compete with modern technology
Published: Sat, 06/02/18
On Epsom common there are two lakes, a smaller fishing pond and beyond it a dam which has created a much larger area of water. My mother particularly likes to climb the steps to the top of the dam and then sit on a bench and look at the larger lake. It is a lovely spot and it is usually pretty quite, maybe a couple of people walking dogs or a family or two having a stroll.
This afternoon a young man came up onto the top of the dam and announced that he intended to fly a drone and was that going to bother us? We said no, not at all, and we were treated to a demonstration of a high tech drone taking off, flying across and around the lake, and landing where it had started from. I found myself remembering watching radio controlled aircraft as a child. A noisy petrol engine had to be started, often with considerable effort. The planes were controllable to a certain extent but hitting trees or crashing on landing seemed to happen more often that not. The drone was quite and seemed to be extremely responsive to the pilot. My mother kept asking. ‘But what happens if it crashes into the lake or hits the trees?’ The answer turned out to be that the drone has sensors which can tell the difference between land and water and it won’t land on water, unless something goes catastrophically wrong. As for hitting
trees or other hazards, the drone can see its surroundings and will not allow itself to be crash into objects in its way. Even if the pilot attempted to fly the craft into a tree trunk, the drone’s control system will protect itself from damage.
This was a fairly high specification drone, but by no means excessively expensive for what it is. For me, the most extraordinary part being the machine’s ability to maintain awareness of its surroundings, keep a safe distance from dangerous objects and basically take care of itself. Perhaps not exactly ‘thinking’ for itself but more than able to compensate for the limitations an unskilled pilot.
Last week I sent out the third module of the Self-protection programme, the theme being awareness and how to cultivate awareness of your surroundings and potential dangers. The fourth module, which will go out next week will look at safe distancing and how to maintain safe distance using appropriate body posture.
I like to think that I have developed my awareness, and my ability to judge, and maintain, distance to a reasonable level. On the other hand I am not sure I can compete with the machine I watched today.
Either way, the Self-protection Programme is well under way but it isn’t too late to join in with the trial. See https://iceandfire.org.uk/martial01.html Of course if you are a member you will get the programme automatically.
regards
Graham
PS I am collecting Allen Reed from Manchester airport tomorrow, ready for his talk on Thursday and the HDC at the weekend. Could still fit in one or two more people if you would like to come http://hdc.stavcamp.org/