Hikers lost in Kosciuszko national park rescued within five hours by AI drone

Here's something that might surprise you — an AI-powered drone found two lost hikers in Kosciuszko National Park within just five hours. That’s a first for rescue missions, and it’s changing how we think about search-and-rescue. According to Guardian staff, these two men, both in their 20s, went off trail near Jindabyne and didn’t show up at their meeting point. Instead of relying solely on ground teams or helicopters, Fire and Rescue NSW used thermal imaging and a mobile phone red light, but the real game-changer was the drone. As Guardian staff reports, the AI-driven drone quickly homed in on their location, saving precious time and possibly lives. Now, here’s where it gets fascinating — this isn’t just about tech for tech’s sake. It’s about safety, speed, and reshaping emergency responses in rugged terrain. If this pattern holds, future rescues could be faster, safer, and more efficient thanks to artificial intelligence guiding us through the wilderness.