'Drone' is a layman's term for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which is basically defined as an aircraft without a human pilot. They are operated remotely or autonomously by on-board computers. The idea behind designing these vehicles was to put them to use where humans cannot reach or on missions that are too dangerous to carry out manually. However, many other evaluations are currently being carried out to explore new possibilities.
Mentioned below is a list of 10 drone applications that will pave the way for the commercialization of drone technology in the coming years.
1. Agriculture
Autonomous aircraft equipped with autopilot capabilities and multiple sensors have become an essential part of modern agricultural techniques. These drones are capable of flying over fields and making use of GPS. Additionally, there is a pin-and-shoot camera to capture images that offers three types of views.
The aerial view provides information on soil variation as well as pest and fungal infestations that would otherwise be difficult to observe. Secondly, the use of infrared technology reveals the difference between healthy and unhealthy plants, which is not possible to detect with the naked eye. Lastly, you can create a time series animation showing the changes in the crop, thus helping in better crop management.
two. Journalism
While it will take some time to fully integrate drones into journalism, they are being widely used for news coverage, specifically sports news. Drones provide better image resolution and are much more efficient than fixed/rail cameras. Furthermore, they are much cheaper and work as an ideal option when there is a need to record audio, as they do not generate noise.
Whether it's a basketball game, a traffic jam, or a fire accident, drones can capture everything accurately from any desired angle. Additionally, a drone can follow the action, for example, it can keep moving with athletes participating in a race and capture them up close. It is believed that drone technology will likely change the way we watch TV in the near future.
3. Shipping
Although the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is not completely in favor of using drones to deliver products, companies such as DHL, Dominos and Amazon are constantly exploring this possibility at their respective levels. Amazon has even patented its air delivery service under the name Amazon Prime Air, with which customers will be able to order and receive products over short distances in less than 30 minutes.
However, this is subject to concerns about reliability and public safety due to the lack of viability of drone technology. Companies are facing many challenges and trying their best to overcome the problems.
4. Mining
Mining is another field where drones are proving to be quite useful in inspecting areas that are not accessible to the workforce. Furthermore, they are also efficient in handling jobs that are dangerous to do manually, such as covering areas such as mine walls and mine entrances. Drones are easy to use and cost much less compared to conventional methods involving helicopters.
Furthermore, drones are also useful in mapping and modeling mining sites, thus offering accurate and convenient results. Some mining companies are even equipping quadcopters with multispectral imaging devices to help search for minerals.
5. Construction
Drones and quadcopters are gaining a lot of popularity in the construction industry, where they perform a range of functions such as surveying and inspecting the site, monitoring workers, and revealing construction status. Aerial views captured by these vehicles are also used by architects for 3D modeling.
Not only does it aid construction, but it also offers itself as a great marketing tool, thus benefiting business owners. In addition to buildings, drone technology is also a great advantage for inspecting roads, bridges and overpasses. This technique can considerably guarantee the quality and increase the efficiency of construction.
6. Aircraft Inspection
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Currently, aircraft are inspected manually by trained engineers and therefore take a lot of time. The interior and bottom are still easy to inspect, but the top and side areas require moving platforms. As a result, some airlines are exploring the possibility of using drones for this purpose to speed up the process.
Using drone technology would mean that quad bikes will be able to fly over planes and capture HD videos and images that can be reviewed remotely by engineers. Furthermore, if this option works in the near future, companies will also be able to offer new vacancies in the form of drone specialists and pilots.
7. Race
In addition to the essential uses of drones for commercial and security purposes, drones are now used for entertainment. Drone racing is a famous sport that started recently in the year 2014 in Australia. The sport is called FPV drone racing, where FPV stands for first-person view. In this, participants must control their drones with the help of a head-mounted display.
The drones used in this race are equipped with cameras whose images are transmitted to the glasses worn by the participants using radio waves. Players watch what the drone is observing in front of them and, consequently, the remote control is used to operate them in order to complete a defined route and win the race.
8. Real estate
Previously, real estate agents only relied on one-dimensional images as a marketing tool, which was later followed by virtual walkthroughs and videos. However, the latest addition to the list is the use of drones to capture an aerial view of the property. Reportedly, it is gaining a lot of popularity among agents as well as customers.
Using quadcopters not only ensures a better view of the house, but also reveals elements that would not otherwise be visible. It also offers a good view of the building, as well as the adjacent areas, swimming pool, garden, playground, etc. In addition, you will also find out how close the house is to adjacent buildings and properties.
9. Prevention of diseases
Microsoft has proposed a project called Premonition, under which drones will be equipped with insect-collecting devices that will capture mosquitoes in desired areas. The devices will return with the collected bugs that will be tested by scientists to predict any type of danger in the form of potentially fatal diseases or any other type of epidemic.
According to Microsoft and academic partners associated with the project, it would take several years to complete. However, if it works as planned, it could be useful in preparing in advance for infectious diseases and therefore treatment will be carried out in a timely manner.
10. Disaster Management
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Whether it's a natural or man-made disaster, drones can offer a really quick and efficient way of managing the situation rather than using manned helicopters. These unmanned vehicles can cover all narrow areas and easily navigate difficult terrains. Additionally, they are equipped with HD cameras and radar that can easily track lost humans and animals.
Additionally, essential supplies such as medicine, food or walkie-talkies can be sent to injured victims and held before rescuers reach them. This technology works even at night and quickly gathers a lot of information that can be vital in planning rescue operations.
Conclusion
From necessity to luxury and innovation to entertainment, drone technology is constantly evolving and being developed to benefit the masses. Most areas are still exploring a possibility, but we have already made a lot of progress with the use of drones and quadcopters. These 10 drone applications are currently being used or explored, but very soon many other possibilities will be introduced.
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