Automated Operational Risk Assessment, Enabler or Hurdle?

The Role of Automated Risk Assessment Tools

A major focus of the webinar was the transformative role that automated operational risk assessment tools are playing in the future of drone operations. With these tools, safety evaluations are becoming more efficient, accurate, and scalable. By automating the risk assessment process, operators can more easily integrate the JARUS SORA methodology into Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) systems, ultimately linking operational planning with real-time airspace management.

As drone operations scale, manual assessments can become time-consuming and prone to human error. Automated tools address this by streamlining the process and allowing for quicker, more consistent risk evaluations. The integration of automated assessments is helping operators stay compliant while also adapting to the dynamic nature of shared airspace.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar

1. Faster Approvals & Scalable Operations
   With automation, risk assessments can be done more quickly, allowing for faster approvals. This is especially crucial in an industry where time is of the essence and scalability is a top priority.
2. Improved Safety Metrics
   Automated tools are enhancing safety by ensuring that risk assessments are consistent and reliable, even as operational conditions change.
3. Addressing Challenges
   The discussion also touched on the challenges of standardizing automated assessments and ensuring system interoperability. While automation offers numerous benefits, there are still hurdles to overcome, especially in terms of ensuring that different systems and platforms can communicate effectively.
4. Dynamic Adaptation to Changing Conditions
   The ability for automated assessments to adapt to real-time changes in airspace conditions was highlighted as one of the major advantages. This allows for a more flexible and responsive approach to managing risk, which is critical in a fast-evolving industry like UAS.

Expert Panel Insights

The webinar featured an engaging panel of experts, each bringing their unique perspective on operational risk management and the role of automation:

• Jackie Dujmovic, Founder & CEO of Hover UAV, shared her vast experience in uncrewed aviation safety, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Julie Garland, Founder & CEO of Avtrain, discussed her work in drone training and compliance across Europe, emphasizing the importance of operational safety.
• Joerg Dittrich, Senior Expert in Drone Regulations and Leader of the JARUS WG-SRM, offered invaluable insights into how safety and risk management frameworks like JARUS SORA are shaping the future of drone operations.
• Jarrett Larrow, Policy & Rulemaking Lead at the FAA, shared his vision on how evolving policies are impacting operational risk management and the future of drone regulations.
• Amit Ganjoo, Founder & CEO of ANRA Technologies, moderated the panel and guided the discussion, offering his perspective on the role of automation in driving UAS integration.

Conclusion: Are Automated Risk Assessments the Key to the Future?

The panel concluded with a thought-provoking question: Are automated operational risk assessments the key to unlocking the next level of UAS integration, or do they pose new challenges that need innovative solutions? While automation certainly holds promise for faster approvals, scalable operations, and improved safety metrics, the need for standardization and interoperability is still a significant barrier.

As drone operations continue to grow and become more complex, integrating these tools effectively will be crucial for ensuring both safety and efficiency in shared airspace.

If you missed the live webinar, you can watch the full recording here to gain further insights into how automated operational risk assessment tools are shaping the future of drone operations.