Romeo Durscher Life in Drones

As Romeo Durscher steps again from the drone business, going through retirement resulting from a current well being prognosis, he displays on a profession that has formed not solely expertise however lives around the globe. On this interview with DRONELIFE, Romeo shares tales from his outstanding journey—outlined by curiosity, resilience, and a dedication to creating a distinction. From working at NASA whereas additionally “enjoying” with drones, to main public security initiatives at DJI and advocating for open requirements at Auterion, to creating significant and wanted coaching and cellular robotics options at UTAC and FLYMOTION, Romeo’s voice stays a robust reminder of the influence one particular person can have on a whole business. His phrases, barely tailored right here for readability, provide a glance again on the pioneering years of the drone business and a name to future innovators to hold ahead the values of authenticity, ethics, and function.

Romeo Durscher: A Life in Drones

After greater than a decade within the drone business, I can hardly imagine how far we’ve come. From assembling my first drone whereas working at NASA to watching UAVs revolutionize public security, each step of this journey has felt like watching a completely new world unfold. Wanting again, I see two guiding rules which have outlined my profession: following curiosity and staying true to function. These concepts have carried me by way of an incredible profession, from creating artwork and testing flight algorithms to rescuing folks in crises.

The Early Days: From NASA to Uncharted Territory

In 2010, after I was nonetheless deeply concerned in NASA missions, Mark Johnson and I started experimenting with a brand new type of expertise. Multi-rotors have been virtually unprecedented, however we discovered elements from throughout and pieced collectively our personal drones. I vividly bear in mind the primary time we flew one. For Mark, it was clear this may very well be a robust instrument for his forensic evaluation enterprise. For me, it unlocked one thing new—a contemporary perspective from the air. Working with Adobe’s Russell Preston Brown, I created aerial panoramas that had by no means been executed earlier than. And at NASA, we even began utilizing these early drones to check docking algorithms for the Worldwide House Station. 

I used to be residing a dream, contributing to NASA missions and supporting human spaceflight. However one thing about this new expertise grabbed me. I knew it had a future past NASA, particularly in public security. The reminiscence of my Swiss navy service, wishing for a real-time aerial view, fueled my want to convey drones to new areas.

Becoming a member of DJI: Constructing Drones for Public Security

Taking the leap to affix DJI as Director of Schooling felt like plunging into the unknown, however I knew the potential drones needed to change lives. My first aim was easy—get drones in entrance of extra folks. I needed to point out the world what they might do, not only for leisure however for actual, life-saving work. Constructing an Schooling Workforce, I made it a precedence to achieve not solely academia but in addition lawmakers and business leaders who wanted to see drones’ potential. 

Some moments have been simply unforgettable. We partnered with ABC Good Morning America to broadcast dwell from contained in the world’s largest cave system in Vietnam. It had by no means been executed, and the technical challenges have been huge. However we pulled it off, and other people again within the U.S. might watch that feed dwell. Then, there was the primary hearth rescue I participated in. That have reshaped all the things for me. Quickly after, we developed the primary thermal drone payload with FLIR. It allowed us to see by way of smoke, into the darkness, and discover warmth signatures—a instrument that modified how we approached rescue missions. 

 

 

 

Each success got here with challenges, although. In 2017, I pushed arduous for a fixed-wing VTOL, considering it might assist long-range missions in rugged environments. We constructed a prototype primarily based on the M200 design, and it was virtually prepared to enter manufacturing. Sadly, the timing wasn’t proper, and it was shelved. However working in DJI’s fast-paced surroundings was exhilarating. Each go to to headquarters in China would reveal one thing new—a prototype right here, a brand new functionality there. It felt like concepts have been turning into actuality in weeks.

 

 

Taking Drones to the Entrance Strains of Catastrophe Response 

Some of the defining experiences of my profession got here throughout the huge wildfires in 2017 and 2018 in California. With drones, we might map the devastation, observe hearth traces, and even find victims, all whereas giving real-time information to CAL FIRE groups on the bottom. One second stands out: we have been capable of assist save animals trapped by the fires, giving a bit hope amidst the destruction. Every deployment taught me one thing new about how drones may very well be used to save lots of lives and assist communities in disaster.

Folks have usually requested what I’m most happy with, and it’s arduous to say. There’s the primary particular person I helped rescue—that may at all times stick with me. However equally essential are the instances after I hear that one thing I shared impressed another person to affix this subject. Figuring out I’ve sparked that zeal in others is an unbelievable honor.

A Shift to Standardization with Auterion

At Auterion, I discovered one other distinctive alternative: the prospect to create a real ecosystem the place drones, sensors, and information might circulation seamlessly. I had witnessed the necessity for standardization firsthand at DJI, so Auterion’s mission of open-source growth was one thing I felt drawn to. Constructing this ecosystem, I envisioned a world the place platforms might function within the air, on land, and even at sea, all utilizing a unified management system. We have been making an attempt to ascertain the “USB” of cellular robotics—plug-and-play expertise that will unlock true interoperability.

In fact, it wasn’t simple. Working in a smaller, venture-capital-driven surroundings got here with totally different sorts of pressures, however I believed in what we have been constructing. At Auterion, we needed to create one thing that will outlast any single firm—a framework the place anybody might take part and innovate.

Studying from Public Security, and Giving Again

One of many privileges of my profession has been working intently with public security professionals. By collaborations with organizations just like the European Emergency Quantity Affiliation (EENA), we developed rigorous trials and set a brand new customary for integrating drones into emergency providers. Seeing this expertise work in real-time, saving lives, was immensely rewarding. 

And but, this work got here with its personal challenges. In an rising subject, authenticity and ethics are all the things. “Some of the important classes is the significance of authenticity, truthfulness, and ethics,” I usually say. The business has seen its share of exaggerations, with people pushing narratives for monetary acquire, which impacts not simply the business’s repute but in addition the individuals who depend on this expertise. I needed to ensure we constructed one thing that may very well be trusted, not simply by builders however by the firefighters, cops, and emergency responders who use it daily. By default, the highlight is already on them; now with new tech it’s even worse. 

The “Web Second” for Drones—and What Lies Forward

At the moment, I actually imagine drones are of their “web second”—a time when this expertise is remodeling how we see and work together with the world. I envision a future the place drones function autonomously, guided by AI and able to working far past visible line of sight. However getting there means embracing open requirements, plug-and-play ecosystems, and actual collaboration throughout the business.

Think about a world the place a single operator manages a number of autonomous drones, tackling complicated missions from environmental monitoring to look and rescue. It’s not only a dream; it’s inside attain, however provided that we keep grounded in authenticity and ethics. That’s the one manner we’ll unlock the total potential of drones in a manner that serves folks and features the belief of individuals and governments. 

Wanting Ahead

As I step again from my formal profession, I’m grateful for the workforce members, managers, and first responders who’ve been with me alongside the best way. Each achievement, each rescue, and each milestone was the results of unbelievable teamwork. Alone, I might by no means have executed it. The folks on this business, usually working behind the scenes, are those pushing boundaries daily, they usually’re those who will carry this work ahead.

My hope is that as this business grows, it doesn’t simply chase innovation but in addition stays true to function. The longer term doesn’t want flashy taglines or huge guarantees—it wants actual individuals who need to make a distinction. As I retire, I’m able to see the subsequent wave of leaders rise. My recommendation to them? Be genuine, be true, and at all times keep in mind that the work is about greater than expertise—it’s in regards to the individuals who depend upon it.

The drone business has given me the chance to contribute to one thing larger than myself, and for that, I’m extremely grateful. I could also be stepping away, however I’ll at all times carry the teachings, recollections, and friendships I’ve gained alongside the best way. I’m excited to see the place this expertise goes subsequent, and I’m assured will probably be in good fingers.

If you need to attach with Romeo or depart him a message within the guestbook: