There has been a surge in the use of commercial drones, and they are becoming increasingly common in the US. Drone technology has been around for many years, but its application has been previously limited to a few uses. However, the advent of new and innovative solutions has led to a landscape shift in the past few years. Now, more than in previous years, there is an increase in the demand for unmanned aerial systems or UAS that can be used in various industries.
The global UAV market stood at $10.72 billion in 2019 and is expected to hit $25.13 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 12.23% during the forecast period. Going by these projections, commercial drones are truly impacting different sectors. Here are five ways in which these drones are impacting the world today.
- Healthcare
Healthcare is the first area where drones for commercial use significantly impact. They are used in different countries to promote the health and well-being of communities. For instance, in Sweden, an emergency medical aerial delivery service lets emergency dispatchers send drones with a medical device to a caller’s home before the arrival of an ambulance.
A drone carrying a defibrillator saved the first heart attack patient in December 2021. It was a 71-year-old patient whom a nearby doctor resuscitated after the drone delivered the defibrillator. The service reaches hundreds of thousands of Swedes, and there are plans to expand it to other areas in Europe.
Commercial drones are not only used in developed countries. They are also used in the healthcare industry of developing countries. For instance, Uganda is using commercial drones to deliver HIV medication as part of a program that aims to improve the country’s medical supplies. This trial is actualized by Johnson & Johnson and delivers HIV drugs to Kalangala.
In the US, researchers have made the Human Organ Monitoring and Quality Assurance Apparatus. It is designed for long-distance travel to conduct long-range test flights with kidneys from donors. The researchers have found out that flight at 42 mph was still healthy, showing the potential of the technology to lower the waste of organs that can save lives.
- Sustainable Farming
Agriculture is the leading field in the use of drones in Germany. It is estimated that 9% of the farmers in the country use drones to protect the wild game from farming machinery and other threats that result from agriculture, protect plant stock, and measure the condition of plants and soil.
Technology, especially drones, can lead to more sustainable working and make farming more environmentally friendly. Drone deployment coupled with smart farming will make farming cleaner and more efficient.
- Delivery Services
One of the most notable uses of commercial drones is in delivering goods. Companies like UPS and Amazon are exploring the use of drones in package delivery, which has the potential to revolutionize the shipping industry. Drones can take packages to hard-to-reach areas or remote locations, reducing costs and delivery times and improving the overall customer experience.
Reykjavik was the first city in the world to allow commercial drone delivery. The city is subdivided by several rivers and a large bay which makes transporting goods difficult. Residents order goods through an app and have them delivered to their homes. The drones are fitted with a cable that lowers the packages gently to the ground.
4. Media
Drones are changing how media professionals capture videos and images. News crews are using drone footage as a cheaper and better alternative to helicopter footage. Drones have slick maneuvers, and they capture images that are more dynamic than an aircraft.
Commercial drones are also changing how filmmakers and photographers capture content. Even Hollywood directors are embracing the medium. Now, they can easily capture aerial footage and images. These footages provide stunning visuals and offer new creative opportunities in the film industry.
5. Search and Rescue Operations
Drones have the potential to improve search and rescue operations greatly. They provide a bird’s eye view and effectively scan large areas easily in search of survivors and missing persons. Drones have cameras and sensors that provide real-time data and images to the rescue teams on the ground, allowing them to assess the situation and make informed decisions quickly. Moreover, drones equipped with thermal cameras can locate missing persons during the night and in low visibility conditions, enhancing the chances of a successful rescue.
Commercial drones are a cost-effective tool that allows SARs to respond more quickly and leverage technology to find and assist their subjects. The adaptability and versatility of aerial systems allow emergency response to adapt rapidly to new technology.
Wrapping Up
Commercial drones rapidly transform various industries and change how people work and live. They are providing new opportunities while improving the accuracy and efficiency of many processes. As technology continues to evolve and become more sophisticated, the possibilities for commercial drone use are endless, and their impact on the world is sure to be significant.