Drones today are not just limited to military surveillance or tech-savvy customers. There have been several advancements in drone technology over the last few years, and with each advancement, drone technology continues to improve in itself.

Fremont, CA: The sight of a drone technology hovering in the sky tends to get a person excited, regardless of the age. Typically, a drone or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a pilotless aircraft, operating through a combination of sophisticated technologies, like computer vision, object avoidance technology, artificial intelligence, and others.

Drones today are not just limited to military surveillance or tech-savvy customers. There have been several advancements in drone technology over the last few years, and with each advancement, drone technology continues to improve in itself. Also, drones have begun to fulfill purposes other than surveillance and entertainment. High remuneration jobs that involve risks can now be completed using drones. Although this may impact the employment opportunities in such sectors, it addresses a much-needed issue of safety.

The global market for the use of drone technology is estimated to be worth over USD 127 million. With more and more companies investing in drone technology, these figures are likely to rise multiple folds over the next few years. One of the main reasons for this is the cost-effective solutions that drone technology provides. With enhancements in autonomy and collision avoidance techniques, drones will be more than capable of completing complex tasks in the future.

Here are ten sectors enhanced by drone technology

Defense Services

The Predator UAV is one of the most well-known drones actively used by the military today. Drone technology has been part of military operations for over a decade now, and its involvement in military operations is only going to increase, due to the use of small-sized portable drones by ground forces regularly.

The U.S. Department of Defense, with a USD 640 billion defense budget, provides specialized drone manufacturers and software developers with exciting business opportunities. A large portion of drones manufactured for military purposes are used only for surveillance today; however, some companies specialize in the production of offensive drones and UAVs. The use of drones to lead tactical missions by ground forces has also improved troop safety.

Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Services

Drone functionality is highly dependent on the camera technology available. Innovations in camera technology have opened up new possibilities in the drone sector. Drones with thermal imaging cameras are now widely used by emergency rescue services to identify victims in need of help, especially those who cannot be spotted by the naked eye.

Drones have also proved their worth when it comes to disaster relief management. Identifying victims in the aftermath of an earthquake or hurricane and providing them with necessary aid, has become more efficient with the use of drones. In some instances, drone technology can also be used to prevent natural calamities. Thermal imaging cameras can be used to detect abnormal temperature spikes in forests, allowing teams to respond to such incidents within three minutes of the fire.

Healthcare Services

Unlike earlier, modern medicine is more prevention-oriented than finding a cure after contracting a disease. It is aimed at increasing life expectancy rates and the general standard of living. Accessibility to these medicines, however, becomes a challenging factor in rural regions across the globe. While traditional means of transportation can deliver medication to such areas, some situations call for quick delivery of medicines, blood, and other medical services, something that drones can do well.

Drones with thermal imaging cameras are also being used to track animal movements. This allows researchers to track diseases and identify the origin of the disease. Data accumulated from such drones can be used to prevent the disease from contaminating further and also keep an eye on the carriers of the disease.

Agriculture

The food we consume directly affects our health. As a result, agriculture plays a vital role in our day to day lives. Farmers are continuously trying to implement techniques that can help them reduce costs and maximize yields. By making use of data collected from drones, farmers can identify which process needs to be made automated and also improve general efficiency. Drones have been successfully used to pollinate flowers in a controlled environment.

Weather Forecasts

Climate change is a real phenomenon, and scientists are leveraging as much technology they can lay their hands on, to collect data and prepare forecast charts. Traditional devices used for data collection are stationary or captured using geospatial imaging solutions. Drones, on the other hand, offer more versatile solutions for data collection. Their maneuverability allows them to physically follow weather changes and identify patterns, also giving real-time monitoring of developments in the weather.

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Maritime Industry

An estimated 1.65 million people serve on international merchant navy ships today. Navigating through seas and ports requires a lot of expertise and labor. However, uncrewed marine vehicles are now making their way into the industry, and could soon become the standard in maritime shipping. Maintenance of a ship is quintessential for smooth functioning. The use of underwater drones makes the inspection of the hull much easier.

Energy

Despite the advent of alternative energy, fossil fuels continue to be the primary source of energy. Regular inspections must be conducted at infrastructures used for the production of energy. With most goods being highly inflammable, there is always a massive amount of risk involved. Using drone technology can avoid human casualties during inspection checks

Construction and Infrastructure

The aerial view is one of the most significant advantages of drones. Drones combined with software programs can provide a lot of useful insight into construction planning. These can be used to ensure that the construction process is as per schedule. It is also used to gauge topography and soil type throughout the construction.

Aviation Industry

Compliance to safety regulations is of prime importance in the aviation industry. Airlines are expected to adhere to Federal Aviation Industry (FAA) guidelines, which are tested through a thorough, comprehensive test, and also clear the necessary inspections conducted after every 125 hours of flight. Besides all these, airlines are also expected to carry out their checks before every trip. These pre-flight inspections can quickly be completed using drones.

Telecommunication Industry

Telecommunication providers must ensure periodic maintenance of their towers. They need to be inspected and maintained for any complaints. However, direct human contact to figure out problems can be risky. The use of drones here removes the risk factor and helps telecommunication providers maintain their towers more efficiently. After drones have identified the damaged area, the telecommunication companies can identify where and what the problem is and send the concerned to the required location.