AI Ireland with Mark Kelly

E249 The Future of Drones in Ireland: AI and Security with Drone Space's Ian Kiely & Joe

AI Ireland with Mark Kelly

Show Notes

Today’s guest is Ian Kiely, Leading UAV specialist, Founder of Drone Space Limited and ESA project contributor. He is also joined by Joe, a veteran in national security, maritime navigation and airborne law enforcement. In an ever-evolving digital landscape where drones and AI take centre stage, understanding their impact on airspace, security, and everyday life is crucial. This episode brings to light the sophisticated integration of AI into drone technology and its implications, particularly in Ireland.

Topics include: 0:00 Ireland’s drone boom, Manna’s exit and a billion-euro opportunity lost 5:03 How Ireland races to defend against evolving autonomous drone threats 7:19 AI transforms battlefield drones as Ireland hosts EU defence hackathon 11:03 How Drone Space brings industry together for safer, compliant drone operations 12:20 Building a skilled, connected network for safer drone adoption 13:32 Drone innovation accelerates alongside growing security and criminal threats 15:54 Drone technology evolves faster than regulation can keep pace 18:27 AI drone swarms adapt, coordinate and overwhelm traditional defences 20:07 Goal-driven AI drones expose dangerous gaps in Ireland’s defences

This episode is sponsored by Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, helping Irish businesses close AI skills gaps through practical, funded training and bespoke programmes for their teams. Learn more at https://ictskillnet.ie/

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