What is innovative about the project

This project scales the use of artificial intelligence and drone technology to identify and clear minefields more safely and efficiently.

The solution builds on successful field testing in Ukraine, where Biodrone’s AI was integrated into Norwegian People’s Aid’s drone-based survey operations. The system rapidly analyses high-resolution drone imagery, enabling faster and more accurate identification of minefields and other explosive ordnance hazards. This reduces the need for manual ground verification, improves operational planning, and enhances safety for demining personnel.

The integration of drone imagery with AI analysis technology was originally developed by Biodrone for the forestry and environmental conservation sectors in Norway. This enabled the quick identification of various tree types and environmental features and hazards. Biodrone’s technology was further adapted for the identification of surface-laden landmines and other Explosive Ordnance for use by NPA in Ukraine since 2023. Biodrone’s adaptation of AI technology originally developed for the forestry and environmental sectors for humanitarian use in the removal of landmines and other explosive ordnance represents the first of its kind in the world – and places Norway as a key player in an emerging industry. Biodrone’s solutions have enabled NPA to document and map hazardous areas faster, increase safety to personnel by enabling rapid assessment of areas, and improve operational workflows.

What are the expected outcomes 

Building on prior results, the project aims to scale and institutionalise the use of Biodrone’s technology across mine action operations.

The key objectives are to:

• Expand the use Biodrone’s technology in Iraq by NPA, and other NGOs and authorities. This is expected to contribute to the safety and livelihoods of more than 285,000 direct and 1.58 million indirect beneficiaries of NPA’s mine action work in the country.
• Improving upon and enabling the full adoption of Biodrone’s technology globally throughout the mine action sector. This will also include the integration of additional sensors and capabilities.
• Establishing a technological and market-based feedback loop as a result of this project back into the environmental conservation sector and expanding potential use in humanitarian emergency/disaster responses; leveraging Biodrone’s existing client-base of private sector, NGO and government entities.

Who are the project partners

The project is led by Norwegian People's Aid, a global humanitarian actor with extensive experience in mine action and explosive ordnance clearance.

The technology partner is Biodrone AS, which provides the AI-powered drone imagery analysis system. Biodrone contributes expertise in machine learning, remote sensing, and scalable data processing, adapting commercial environmental mapping technology for humanitarian mine action.