Drones cruise NC coast for science

After a year of researching the use of unmanned aircraft systems – drones – for use in marine science, Duke University has officially opened a new research and training facility for the technology at the North Carolina coast.

The new Marine Conservation Ecology Unmanned Systems Facility is located at the Duke University Marine Laboratory in Beaufort and led by executive director and professor David Johnston.

Researchers can’t yet fly in North Carolina, as the FAA has to approve any organization’s use of drones in American skies. Johnston says his team has applied for an FAA exemption and expects to clear that hurdle in the next month.

Read more from the Triangle Business Journal.