The USA and Britain invented the first set of drones during World War I. Today, drones are being deployed in different sectors for diverse purposes. Even though the use of drones comes with potential adverse consequences, its overall utility outweighs its risks. In this article, you will learn the different, almost limitless uses of this man-made bird in the 21st Century.
What is a drone?
Variously referred to as unmanned aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones are flying robots that combine multiple technologies, including video, mobile and flight. Popular manufacturers of drones include DJI, Yuneec, Measure, 3D Robotics and Precision Hawks. The global commercial drone market size is projected to reach $58.4 billion in 2026.
What are the uses of drones?
1. Rescue Missions and Border Control
Drones are used to execute risky emergency rescue operations, particularly by the security forces. They are profoundly effective for assessing the level of risk to aid decision-making as well as gaining access to dangerous territories.
Additionally, immigration services deploy drones to monitor and control land borders. Similarly, military drones are weaponised to carry out precision strikes.
2. Traffic Monitoring
Drones can be used by traffic management authorities to monitor and analyse traffic and the behaviour of road users. By using drones, the causes of gridlocks can be easily identified and addressed. Drones can also be used to tackle vehicle theft and trace fleeing suspects.
3. Film and Journalism
The entertainment and media industries are increasingly deploying drones to film movie and event scenes. Drones are useful tools for gathering news and covering movie scenes, rallies, protests, wars, sports, concerts and other notable events.
4. Wildlife Preservation and Recording
Monitoring and protecting wildlife is easier with drones. Using drones, it is safer to watch wild animals closely both during the day and at night.
The absence of humans within a close range also means the natural, daily behavioural patterns of animals can be easily observed and analysed.
Drones can also be used to monitor and control deforestation, poaching activities and wildfires.
5. Shipping and Delivery
Logistic, retail and e-commerce companies are also turning to drones to deliver packages, foods and other articles to their customers. Uber and Amazon are examples of companies turning to drones as more effective options to deliver food and products.
6. Agriculture
The agricultural sector is another area where drones help to enhance productivity and solve problems. For example, they are used to measure the heights of crops, spray pesticides and scare away rodents, birds and other crop-eating animals.
7. Photography and Real Estate
With drones, high-quality aerial images can now be taken without going to the top of skyscrapers or using copters. The real estate sector is a major beneficiary in this regard. High-resolution aerial images can easily be taken by surveyors and agents to capture the landmarks of real estate offers.
Final thoughts
Different kinds of drones have been manufactured to provide innovative solutions for diverse needs. Essentially, they help to banish various barriers, reduce costs and minimise physical stress.
Unfortunately, they also create other challenges as they address some. For example, drones are used to bolster security and take high-resolution aerial images, yet they pose security and privacy threats.
Finally, drones, like many other technological solutions, are competing with humans for job slots, ultimately contributing to unemployment. Drones are delivering food, drugs, packages and taking quality images and videos.
Source: MSBM
Image Source: Pixabay
