Turning a hobby into a career, Jairus Hines has leveraged his expertise in electronics and unmanned systems to take on national security missions with the use of drone technology. Working with the Autonomous Systems group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory's National Security Sciences Directorate, Hines is dedicated to the development of drone-based radiation detection systems, as reported by ORNL's official news source.
According to the ORNL news, Hines spends his days out in the field, piloting drones, or working on them in the lab, tackling practical real-world problems. This hands-on approach to radiation detection safeguards people from potential hazards by conducting sweeps from the air, dramatically reducing the costs and risks associated with traditional manned aircraft missions. Hines' background in nuclear nonproliferation safeguards and radiation detector technology has made him a pivotal figure in this field.
Drones, as Hines emphasizes, offer a cost-effective and versatile solution for detecting radiation that avoids putting individuals in harm's way. "Doing radiation detection from the air helps keep people from harm," Hines explained in a statement obtained by ORNL. The capability to fly 'low and slow' allows for better detection results, which can be vitally important in a variety of emergency scenarios such as accidents involving nuclear waste transport or potential security threats at major public events like the Super Bowl.
Once radiation is detected, the information is utilized to generate near real-time maps of affected areas, providing tactical teams with a fresh and accurate representation of the ground situation. These maps extend beyond just visible light; they capture where gamma radiation is spread, providing a comprehensive view of radiation hotspots. This technology, as Hines told ORNL, can be essential in a variety of scenarios, including military operations and disaster response efforts. For instance, the NNSA’s Radiation Assistance Program teams could utilize drones to efficiently sweep venues for radioactive threats.
Despite the clear advantages of drones in radiation detection, their use has not yet become ubiquitous. Hines points out that it's only in recent years that unmanned vehicles have become practical, citing advancements in battery technology as a contributing factor to their increased feasibility. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that drones are not a panacea for all detection challenges. As the field continues to evolve, Hines remains committed to growing the drone-based radiation detection program at ORNL, harnessing a field of work that meshes with his passions.
