What if drones could do more than capture stunning aerial shots? What if they could help save lives, protect wildlife, and fight climate change? The global drone-powered solutions market is expected to exceed $22.1 billion by 2032, with applications spanning infrastructure, agriculture and emergency response. This surge in drone adoption is largely driven by their unique capability to access remote or hazardous environments, making them indispensable in scenarios where time and access are critical. To support this transformative potential, NXP’s energy-efficient and intelligent components are helping drones become smarter, faster, and more purposeful than ever before.
A powerful example of drone innovation is the WaterRescueDrones project on the west coast of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. They demonstrate how drones can support the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) in locating missing people in the Wadden Sea. In this vast and treacherous tidal flat, manual search operations are traditionally time-consuming and resource intensive. These drones autonomously cover large areas, identify people in distress at sea using AI-powered imaging systems and stream live visuals to ground control. As a result, it reduces response time and increases the chances of saving lives.
At the core of this effort, in collaboration with partners such as Fraunhofer IMTE and FH Westküste, NXP’s role is to help drive sustainability through intelligent and energy-efficient technology. Components like the MR-VMU-RT1176 flight controller, i.MX 8M Plus companion computer, SJA1110 Ethernet switch, and SAF5400 V2X modem are just a few of the components making autonomous water rescue missions feasible and reliable.
But NXP’s contribution goes beyond hardware. We help integrate a complete, intelligent system—combining flight control, image recognition, data transfer, and mission management. By using AI to recognize objects and plan more efficient flight paths, the drones can carry out their tasks more accurately while using less energy and reducing emissions. NXP’s advancements in edge computing also allow drones to process video directly on board, cutting down on the need for large data transfers and reducing delays.
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During field trials, the WaterRescueDrones have proven their capabilities in demanding conditions—operating in strong coastal winds, low-visibility night scenarios, and even emergencies. For instance, during the wildfire at the St. Peter-Ording salt marshes in May 2025, our drone helped firefighters by providing crucial real-time information. These experiences highlight their potential not only for rescue missions but also for broader emergency response and environmental monitoring.
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From saving lives at sea to supporting emergency response and combating climate change, drones are redefining what’s possible when innovation meets purpose. With continued collaboration, responsible design, and a shared commitment to sustainability, we’re not just responding to today’s challenges, we’re building a smarter, safer, and more resilient tomorrow.
Gerald has been helping grow mobile robotics activities at NXP and is involved in several projects where drones are key. He has speciality in UAS systems and a member of UAV-DACH working groups "Infrastructure Airspace & Ground" and "Design & Manufacturing".
