Syfly aims to create a global sensor network of autonomous drones to efficiently collect and distribute environmental data. Currently, collecting such data through helicopters or ground surveys is extremely expensive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Syfly drones equipped with sensors could generate real-time data at much lower costs, allowing more organizations and citizens to access information critical for monitoring and protecting ecosystems. Syfly plans to offer data streaming subscriptions to provide customers continually updated data for research and conservation efforts. The company has developed a prototype drone and is working to create affordable sensor modules to demonstrate the feasibility of its approach.

1. Syfly
Data is, and always has been, imperative to tackling any issue. However, when the process to
obtain data is expensive and labor-intensive, it becomes much harder for most people to access it.
Specifically, data collection and monitoring of key ecosystems is an expensive, long and people-intensive
process. According to World Wide Fund (WWF), they spend 5,014 USD a day to hire helicopters to
monitor orangutan populations in the forests - this process involves an individual in the back with a pair
of binoculars, manually trying to spot and count the number of orangutan nests. Ground based surveys are
even more expensive, time consuming and inaccurate, with a three year survey cycle in Sumatra costing
up to 250,000 USD. In this day and age, when there are multiple (human caused) detrimental effects on
natural ecosystems, it is imperative that we are able to generate data quickly and distribute it to as wide of
an audience as possible.
Syfly aims to be a sensor network for the planet, generating and democratizing access to data
which can then be used to monitor and protect key natural ecosystems. Syfly does this by employing
autonomous fixed wing aircraft (or drones) equipped with sensor payloads that can be used to monitor
key features of natural landscapes. The real-time data generated can then be immediately uploaded to a
cloud and accessed by any party anywhere on the globe; the goal being to increase the accuracy,
accessibility and quantity pertaining to data while lowering the costs and labour traditionally involved.
Autonomous flight ensures that minimal labour is required, with a human being brought into the
loop only if what is observed does not match what is expected. Cost of operation of drones is much less
compared to that of a helicopter or manned ground surveys. The airframe we are developing costs less
than 500 USD to manufacture, with a range of approximately 160km each charge. This allows for
multiple quick flights, covering more area and gathering more data. Drones will be connected as often as
possible, meaning direct, real-time upload of data to the cloud; the accuracy of data collected is higher
than human collected data.
Syfly would be a data company, employing drones to gather and provide data streaming
subscriptions to research institutes, academia and corporations looking to help the planet as part of their
corporate social responsibility. Once subscribed, these relatively low cost, problem-specific streams will
allow interested parties to have access to continually updated data on their desired area. Parties will also
have the opportunity to request custom missions over their desired areas.
As of now, we have a working airframe prototype and are scouting for regions where we can
conduct proof-of-concept missions. One of the largest difficulties faced is with the research and
development of sensor modules due to their high cost.
If the process to obtain data is less expensive, accessible, and efficient we can infer that more
resources will be available for similar data collection. And with more data, more informed decisions can
be taken from a more robust and reliable analysis. There is also a higher possibility of a greater number of
people working on these issues which will lead to higher exposure to environmental problems, as well as
better protection and monitoring of wildlife.