Across many different industries, drones represent a whole host of opportunities. Such is the potential of this tech that the market for drones is expected to reach $100 billion in the next five years, with a billion drones predicted to be inhabiting our skies by 2030.
There are a huge array of companies investigating the possible impact of drones upon their industries, including retail giants like Walmart and Amazon, as well as tech companies like Google.
Here are seven different uses for drones that are just around the corner.
1. Retail
Delivery by drone is one of the most common perceived uses for drones in the future, although some companies are looking to take this concept even further, with Walmart and Amazon waging war over an airborne warehouse.
The large blimp-like UAV proposed by both companies would travel at around 500-1000 feet above ground, launching smaller drones to deliver goods straight to your doorstep.
2. Transportation
Drones also represent immense promise in the transport industry too, with this tech predicted to replace around $13 billion worth of human labour and business services by 2020.
This is due, in part, to the innovation of flying taxis, with several companies exploring this technology, such as Ehang Corp in China, and Volocopter, who will be trialling two-seater drone taxis in Dubai this year.
3. Entertainment
In addition to offering practical applications, drones are also being invested in as a form of entertainment too. The broadcasting giants Sky recently announced a $1 million investment in the Drone Racing League.
This sport sees drone pilots race through high-speed obstacle courses, with Eurosport and Fox Sports also seeing the potential in this new tech-sport.
4. Agriculture
Drones are already being utilised in the agricultural industry to help monitor vast farmland, analyse soil samples, and even herd cattle. The uses of drones in agriculture could expand even more in the future, with researchers currently working on insect-sized drones in Japan.
These tiny drones would be used to pollinate plants, using horse hairs and a sticky ionic gel to move pollen between flowers.
5. Search and rescue
While drones have only just started to be used in search and rescue missions, so far they have helped to save 59 people from life-threatening situations, according to DJI, the world’s leading manufacturer of UAVs.
A drone recently saved two swimmers in Australia, and similar lifeguard drones’ are being trialled in New Zealand, which would help spot surfers in trouble, and come to their aid with floatation devices.
6. Home security
While the use of drones for security purposes in the military is well-known, tech company Sunflower Labs in the UK are also bringing drones into the home security market, with the company currently beta testing their security drone designed to protect your home.
7. Construction
Drones also hold great potential in the construction industry, with the market for this technology expected to be worth in excess of $11 billion in the future.
One innovation, which is being developed at Imperial College London, is the creation of drones which are equipped with 3D printers. This remote-controlled equipment will be able to construct and repair buildings by printing materials as they fly.
Drones have a wide-variety of uses, with this technology representing the future for many industries.
