Reassurances new drone technology won't be used against the public.

Dotterel Technologies has found a way to block out background noise, so drones can record aerial audio.

Its chief executive says up until now drones have essentially been flying binoculars.

Shaun Edlin told Tim Dower it'll help emergency rescuers, because a lot of people are found by voice.

"We will  be able to listen to people yelling over a large area - then get in close and find out their immediate needs and the location of other survivors."

Edlin says there's controls in place on how audio and video can be used.

He says applications where aerial audio can be utilised are primarily commercial.

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