Alcobendas Becomes National Hub for Emergency Drone Technology

The Madrid city hosted a pioneering event demonstrating remote drone piloting from thousands of kilometers away to enhance citizen safety.

Generic image of a modern drone flying over a city at dusk.
IA

Generic image of a modern drone flying over a city at dusk.

The city of Alcobendas has established itself as a national benchmark in emergency technology, hosting an event that showcased how drones can save lives and improve public safety through pioneering operations conducted thousands of kilometers away.

The La Esfera Municipal Center was the venue for an unprecedented gathering in Spain, organized by the Alcobendas City Council and its specialized drone unit from the Local Police. More than 200 professionals from Security Forces and Corps convened to learn firsthand how new technologies are transforming citizen protection.
This event not only served to display sophisticated equipment but also to position Alcobendas as a leader in emergency management and civil protection. The day was supported by key figures such as Marta Martín, First Deputy Mayor, and Pedro Antonio Ruiz Escobar, General Director of the 112 Security and Emergency Agency of the Community of Madrid, who emphasized the importance of technical modernization for residents' well-being.

"Technical modernization is crucial for the well-being of our residents."

Marta Martín · First Deputy Mayor of Alcobendas
One of the most impactful moments was the demonstration of long-range remote operations. From Alcobendas, two drones located at opposite ends of the planet were piloted in real-time: one near Melbourne, Australia, over 17,000 kilometers away, and another in Fuxin, China, over 9,300 kilometers away. This test proved that current connectivity allows an expert to coordinate surveillance or rescue missions globally, promising to revolutionize international crisis management.
Beyond the spectacular distances, the event focused on the practical applications of drones in everyday situations. Successful cases were analyzed, such as the use of drones by the National Police during the Fallas de Valencia for crowd control and incident prevention. Practical workshops facilitated the exchange of experiences on fleet management and ground team coordination, highlighting the integration of real-time information for faster and more precise responses from emergency services.
The conference, which will be closed by Carlos Rodrigo, Councilor for Security and Emergencies, underscores that drone technology is now an operational reality in our streets. Collaboration with leading companies like DJI Enterprise ensures that local agents receive the best advice to implement these solutions, leading to greater effectiveness in dealing with fires, disappearances, or monitoring large events, marking a before and after in public safety in Alcobendas.