Drones have transformed from hobby toys to IoT devices by leveraging the ongoing IoT revolution. The rollout of 5G technology will allow drones to respond to commands in real-time, allowing for instant feedback. This will increase their performance and capabilities. Drones can increase productivity and efficiency, as well as reduce workload and costs. Drones are an indispensable addition to many sectors.
Application in Agriculture
By 2050, the global population will reach 9.6 billion. Innovative and progressive agricultural practices will be required to feed this population. Drone technology is one of them. The traditional farming methods rely on intuition and experience. Smart drone technology will allow farmers to apply precision agriculture techniques.
Comprehensive monitoring of crops will be possible with drones, resulting in high yields. Farmers will be able collect data using drone sensors about the health of their crops, as well as information on water usage and soil type. Deep learning will enable them to quickly identify and correct any nutritional deficiencies, weeds or diseases. The drones will then make recommendations to farmers about the best productivity conditions and any necessary interventions. This will result in increased productivity and therefore higher yields.
Industrial Applications
Inspecting and maintaining industrial facilities can present many challenges. Sections like boilers, furnaces and mines can be difficult to reach and present health risks to inspectors. With smart drones being used by inspectors, maintenance can now be done faster and safer. The drones collect data using sensors and cameras. This data is then transmitted in real-time to an inspector.
Intelligent drones will be used in future wind turbine inspection and maintenance. They will fly to turbine blades and perform minor repairs, such as painting, deicing, or cleaning. This minimizes the need for human intervention, which results in lower costs and fewer safety risks.
Revolutioni delivery of goods or services
It is also possible that intelligent drones will change the way deliveries are made. Drones are able to be used in places where other transport options aren’t feasible. Drones will make it easier to deliver medical supplies and relief in emergency situations and disasters. Already, a pilot project in Rwanda has been launched that uses drones to deliver medical supplies to remote hospitals.
Drones can also be used to respond to emergency situations. Drones will be able not only to perform visual searches but also send feedback. They can also work together to build temporary shelters for survivors. Technology advancements such as 3D printing using additive building manufacturing technology will enable this.
Drones will also be used by firefighters to locate injured persons and determine the exact location of fires. The intelligent drones will be used by police to detect violent behaviour and to release tear gas or pepper spray in order to disperse the crowds.
Application in Construction
Construction companies are investing in drones already at an increasing rate. According to the Goldman Sachs report, construction companies are expected to have spent $11 Billion (EUR9.9 Billion) on drones. Construction owners can see what’s happening at the site from their office using drones.
Drones can also be used to provide a first-hand view of a structure and monitor its progress. This will cut down on the amount of time and effort required to visit sites regularly, especially with clients. Drones can also inspect roofs, mine operations, and utilities. This will increase safety and reduce accidents on construction sites.
Drones can access areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. They also record and transmit real-time data. Drone users will continue to find new uses with technological advancements. There are still challenges, such as flight time and battery life.
