The Ripper Group

In early 2021, The Ripper Group and Surf Life Saving Queensland joined forces to establish Ripper Corporation, in a move that will revolutionise lifesaving across Queensland, Australia, and the world. SLSQs investment in the rebranded Ripper Corporation will leverage Rippers market-leading capabilities in drone rescue deployment, training, research... , and development to immediately enhance existing surf lifesaving operations, with plans to ultimately extend the enterprises offering into wider disaster responses. Since its establishment in 2015, The Ripper Group has led the world in the utilisation of drones for search and rescue, developing among other innovations the first droppable surf lifesaving rescue pod in addition to SharkSpotter and CrocSpotter recognition technology, which are all underpinned by AI algorithms. Beyond making our beaches safer, Little Ripper drones, all equipped with high-definition cameras, have conducted post-bushfire wildlife assessments, inspected underground mines, and, pending regulatory approval, stand ready to act as long-range, beyond-line-of-sight eyes in the sky for coastal monitoring and management. The joint enterprise combines The Ripper Groups unrivaled pedigree with SLSQs 540 staff, 34,000 volunteers, training infrastructure, and impeccable brand equity. They are united in SLSQs mission of zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters, including beaches, waterways and lagoons. The Ripper name is drawn from a popular Australian phrase, You Little Ripper! The word ripper used in this way means absolutely excellent, or something exciting extreme approval (Macquarie Dictionary). Its the perfect name for a company that utilises its expertise in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to pioneer changes in the way we rescue, record, maintain, inform and identify. Kevin Weldon, on the cover of the New Zealand Surf Life Saving Association Annual Report. He was the first Australian to be harnessed and jump out of a rescue helicopter in 1972 to demonstrate this important innovation ...Read More