United First Responder Technology Coalition

Team Name

United First Responder Technology Coalition (UFRTC; partnership between UAS 5.0 winners New Horizon Innovations and ResponseWing)

About the team

The New Horizon Innovations UAV team unites experts in software, embedded systems, and drone hardware to deliver an advanced UAV solution for first responders.

Key team members

Jay Desai

Jay serves as the software and embedded systems lead for the United First Responder Technology Coalition (UFRTC), where he drives the development of drone, geospatial awareness, and artificial intelligence technologies. With deep expertise in building embedded and autonomous systems, Jay plays a critical role in designing UAV software architectures and embedded solutions that enable real-time environmental understanding and autonomous mission execution.

Samuel Hulsey 

Samuel Hulsey serves as the software and embedded systems lead for the United First Responder Technology Coalition (UFRTC), where he drives the development of drone, geospatial awareness, and artificial intelligence technologies. With deep expertise in building embedded and autonomous systems, Jay plays a critical role in designing UAV software architectures and embedded solutions that enable real-time environmental understanding and autonomous mission execution.

Eric Bircher

Eric, a drone hardware specialist and avid FPV pilot, designs and optimizes the RescueHawk UAV for robust, reliable performance in the field.

First Responder UAS Wireless Data Gatherer Challenge (UAS 6.0)

Total value of prizes received through the Wireless Data Gatherer Challenge: $170,000
1st Place: $100,000
Best-in-Class – Positive Aircraft Control: $10,000
Best-in-Class – Survey Acuity: $10,000
Best-in-Class – First Responders’ Choice (tied): $5,000

Key team members

Jay Desai; Samuel Hulsey; Eric Bircher

Solution

Signal Seeker: A Game-Changer in Aerial Data Retrieval for Public Safety

In the world of public safety, every second counts. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a search-and-rescue mission, or hazardous material detection, real-time data is critical to making life-saving decisions. Enter Signal Seeker—an innovative aerial system designed to retrieve vital sensor data from small, ground-deployed modules while flying overhead.

At its core, Signal Seeker is built on the DJI Matrice 300 RTK, one of the most advanced and reliable drones available today. With an impressive 55-minute flight time, all-weather capabilities, and centimeter-level GPS accuracy, this aerial platform ensures maximum coverage with pinpoint precision.

Eyes in the Sky: Advanced Imaging for Any Situation

Equipped with the Zenmuse H20 camera, Signal Seeker provides unmatched visual and thermal intelligence. The 20x optical zoom allows teams to inspect sensor modules from hundreds of feet away, while the high-resolution thermal imaging ensures that even in total darkness, smoke, or dense vegetation, no critical data is missed. This dual-imaging capability is crucial for locating victims, monitoring wildfires, or assessing hazardous areas before deploying personnel.

The Data Link That Never Fails

What truly sets Signal Seeker apart is its robust, long-range data retrieval system. It’s not just a drone—it’s a flying network hub, capable of securely transmitting sensor data from the field to command centers in real time.

Key Components Powering Signal Seeker’s Connectivity:

• ATT Turbo Hotspot 3 – A high-speed cellular relay that ensures seamless data transmission from the sky to ground teams.
• Flat Patch Antenna + Ubiquiti Bullet M2 – Provides hundreds of feet of coverage, allowing the drone to connect with multiple sensor nodes simultaneously from hundreds of feet away.  This provides unmatched capabilities to sweep massive amounts of land in a single pass.
• Onboard Raspberry Pi Computer – The brain of the operation, this compact but powerful system retrieves sensor data, processes it, and transmits it to the command server without delay.

A Force Multiplier for Public Safety

Signal Seeker Combines an incredible tool for public safety with the Matrice 300 RTK and adds a versatile payload. This gives Public Safety the tools the need for any situation without having to purchase a different UAV for every job. This easy-to-use solution will truly enable new and innovative advances for Public Safety.