How KJR’s Drone-in-a-Box Helped Monitor North Queensland’s Flood Disaster
When record-breaking rainfall triggered widespread flooding in North Queensland in February 2025, access to many areas was limited or impossible, underscoring the need for innovative, remote monitoring solutions.
In partnership with the Goondoi Rangers, KJR deployed its Drone-in-a-Box (DiaB) platform – an off-grid, solar-powered, and remotely operable drone system – to gather critical data, monitor flooding, and support safety assessments from a distance. By keeping boots out of the floodwaters and eyes in the sky, DiaB proved itself as a powerful tool for disaster response and resilience.
Aerial Intelligence, Anywhere
KJR’s DiaB platform is designed for resilience. Housed in a solar-powered, trailer-mounted unit and equipped with Starlink satellite internet, the system can be rapidly deployed in even the most remote and hostile environments. Once activated, the DJI Dock 2 drone within can execute missions on-demand or autonomously, no onsite human pilot required.
During the North Queensland floods, this capability became vital. The DiaB unit monitored floodwaters and infrastructure across a 10 km radius, all without placing human operators in harm’s way.
DiaB Capabilities
Used during emergency responses, KJR’s drone system can provide critical services, including:
- Real-Time Flood Damage Assessment: High-resolution optical zoom (4x optical, 56x digital) allowing the evaluation of flood impact on roads, bridges, and culverts.
- Thermal Imaging: Operating at night or during poor visibility conditions, thermal sensors help locate objects and detect potential hazards invisible to the naked eye.
- Infrastructure & Equipment Monitoring: From inspecting drainage systems to tracking the status of off-grid assets, the drone can provide live visual updates.
- AI-Powered Safety Analysis: Leveraging onboard AI models, the system performs pattern detection and anomaly recognition, improving both speed and accuracy of assessments.
This level of remote intelligence enables coordinated disaster management, keeping field teams safer, and helping protect both people and Country.
Why It Matters
As climate change accelerates the frequency of extreme weather events, tools like the DiaB platform will become essential. The ability to rapidly deploy an AI-enabled, remotely piloted drone to assess conditions and support emergency operations is a leap forward in disaster preparedness and response.
Learn More & Get Involved
KJR’s Remote Data Technologies team is actively working with partners across government, environmental groups, and First Nations communities to explore new applications of off-grid, drone-enabled intelligence.
Ready to partner or learn more? Contact us at info@kjr.com.au