Student’s futuristic design could support police service

A student from Nottingham has looked to the future for inspiration to design a drone that could support public services.

Tyler Best has created ‘The BOBi’ as part of his studies for a degree in product design from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). The product explores how drone technology could be utilised to support public services that may be deprived of staff and resources.

‘The BOBi’ would have roles and responsibilities including answering enquiries, taking witness statements, resolving punishments and giving directions or acting as a guide. 

Using the recognisable blue and white police logo along with the standard black and white check pattern, ‘The BOBi’ has been designed to look and sound friendly.

Tyler, a former West Bridgeford School and Sixth Form student, said: “I wanted to develop a product that would be the future for the public services, especially the police force. ‘The BOBi’ will be the first to arrive at crime scenes assessing situations and reporting back to the police with requests for relevant support.

“The drone will be used to make a series of assumptions from biometric data and will have the ability to identify a person’s identity, mood and status, for example if they are in danger or acting suspiciously.”

When 21-year-old Tyler came up with the concept for the project he knew technology needed to make certain advances in order for the product to work effectively.

He said: “My project was based on the future of policing and looking at diverse ways in which we can improve society as a whole. The technology might not yet exist, but we have to put our ideas forward in order for the technology to be developed.

“I chose UCLan after coming to an open day, the tutors were all really friendly and I was impressed by the facilities available to students not just in my faculty but throughout the whole University. I would describe my experience as a student at UCLan as challenging but enjoyable.”

Tyler’s project has also earned him a Lancashire Arts Festival Award in the Design (3D) category, which is sponsored by Creative Lancashire; Lancashire County Council’s team dedicated to raising the profile of creative industries in the area.

Tyler added: “I am incredibly proud to win the award for my subject area. I have been overwhelmed by the positive response towards my design, I never thought I would win something for my project I just wanted to design something that would make a difference.”

Tyler’s design will be on display at UCLan’s Preston campus from 15-22 June as part of the Lancashire Arts Festival Degree Show.