We are excited to announce that our portable and connected Drone-in-a-Box (DiaB) solution, HubX, has been selected by the NSW Government for pilot testing under their $1.89 million Natural Hazards Technology (NHT) Program. This Australian-made technology is set to revolutionise how we respond to natural hazards.
Drones are transforming industries, and their use is expected to grow 20% annually, reaching 60 million commercial flights by 2043. From mining and agriculture to forestry and construction, drones are making operations safer, faster, and more efficient. Sphere Drones has supported over 11,000 clients, including 3,000 corporates, with drone solutions ranging from sales and rentals to training and compliance support.
What is HubX?
HubX is a fully integrated, off-grid drone solution developed in Sydney. Mounted on a 4WD-capable trailer, it’s designed for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations in tough and remote environments.
Powered by solar with inbuilt redundancies, HubX operates 24/7 without relying on diesel generators, making it both efficient and environmentally friendly. It’s perfect for surveying operations, supporting bushfire efforts, and monitoring biodiversity in natural hazard-prone areas.
HubX in testing
Ensuring the suitability of new technologies to help NSW manage natural hazards is crucial, especially at the start of another fire season. Sphere Drones is the first company funded under the Natural Hazards Technology Program to field test their technology with a NSW Government agency.
National Parks and Wildlife Service staff received training in the capabilities and operation of the HubX drone-in-a-box system at Scheyville National Park in north-western Sydney.
HubX can be deployed in dangerous conditions and operated from a safe, remote location, allowing its drone to survey the surrounding conditions and relay this information back to its operators and emergency services.
Our CEO, Paris Cockinos, says, “This collaboration shows how innovative technology can protect Australia’s landscapes and wildlife. We’re committed to making HubX as effective as possible.”
HubX’s solar power and connectivity systems mean it can be operational 24/7 in areas prone to natural hazards, including fire and flood, sending real-time images and data to crews on the ground. This technology has the potential to reduce response times and improve the management of natural hazards such as fire, flood, and storms.
HubX is being field tested by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, with the Forestry Corporation of NSW and the NSW Reconstruction Authority acting as observers.
Natural Hazards Technology Program overview
The Natural Hazards Technology Program (NHTP) aims to accelerate technology innovation for better natural hazard preparedness and response. Built on the Bushfire Technology Pilots Program, it addressed broader natural hazards and was aligned with key recommendations from the 2020 NSW Bushfire Inquiry and the 2022 Flood Inquiry.
NSW agencies identified gaps in managing natural hazards, forming challenge statements for innovative solutions. Companies, including Sphere Drones, were invited to propose technologies or participate in the "Big Ideas" stream.
Up to $250,000 in funding per company was provided for 12-month field tests with NSW agencies, creating partnerships with groups like the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Services, Forestry Corporation, and others.
How it helps
HubX allows drones to be deployed remotely and controlled safely from a Remote Operations Centre (ROC). This means faster response times and safer operations during fires, floods, and storms. It also improves search and rescue efforts and data collection in remote locations, making it easier for NSW Government agencies to manage natural hazards effectively.
HubX isn’t just for natural hazard management. It’s already helping miners and utilities save thousands of hours and millions of dollars by streamlining surveying tasks. Companies like Yancoal, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue are seeing the benefits of this portable, turnkey solution.
