After years of being exclusively used in military circles, drone technology has become a mainstream asset that many industries are optimizing. From film studios to insurance companies to your average hobbyist, the demand for drones has driven its market value to nearly $63 billion. By 2023, the total global shipment of drones is expected to reach close to 2.5 million. This represents a 66.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), which is much higher than most other similar technology.
In line with the current diversity among the industries in which drones are being used, drone tech developers are now looking to further empower operations with artificial intelligence (AI). Smart and capable of continuous learning, AI in drones has enhanced and broadened the scope of work and efficiency through which drones are used. Now able to conduct operational support and streamline production, AI-empowered drones are enabling the technology’s evolution towards becoming a more sustainable and widely impactful tool. Here are some of the most exciting ways in which AI is helping drones evolve:
Law Enforcement
One of the most widely reported ways that AI has advanced drone tech is in the realm of law enforcement. Using facial recognition technology, drones are now able to pinpoint persons of interest or suspects among crowds and vast landscapes. In more specific applications, drones can now use AI to track gestures and emotions which can be used for security purposes. For example, drones are being used by police departments to enforce aerial surveillance programs. Because drones on their own are already able to fly significant distances and be equipped with cameras (thermal and 4k imaging), strobe lights, speakers, and other relevant peripherals, they can accurately complement law and order initiatives with less manpower. Using AI these Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can offer end-to-end solutions. This means that local agencies are now also able to receive reconnaissance data, monitor high-traffic locations, and even aid in emergency responses with less personnel and larger scope.
Mass Healthcare
Augmenting healthcare has become paramount since 2020. In the last few years, drones have become vital in delivering aid, especially to underserved communities. First, drones with AI have been used to bring essential healthcare resources to remote or rural areas. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, drones have been used to safely transport and drop off sensitive vaccines. This has effectively solved logistics problems in regions that are virtually inaccessible by other vehicles without compromising vaccine integrity. Aside from this, AI-powered UAVs are also being envisioned to make life-saving equipment more accessible. Some drone models can carry up to 500 pounds, so they are used to deliver items like defibrillators. Using AI to navigate terrain and spot patients, UAVs can quickly provide assistance in life or death situations. Today, autonomous drones are slowly being rolled out to be at the ready for any other similar emergencies. In the long run, this can save more lives that would otherwise have to wait for human intervention.
Agriculture
The agriculture industry is one of the most manpower-heavy sectors. However, to keep up with recent demand and constantly evolving market trends, agriculture is also among the early adopters of drone technology. As a matter of fact, automated robots have been used to mitigate irrigation and weeding issues in agriculture for some time now. By 2050, the average farm is already expected to generate around 4 million data points daily by using these systems. In terms of AI, similar to how AI-powered drones are used in construction, these UAVs are able to scan and create maps in real-time. This information is then simultaneously translated into actionable insights that help track field progress, narrow down variables, identify problems, and monitor workflow. When equipped with AI programs that are able to track weather patterns, drones can even help farmers study critical factors like moisture levels and precipitation. On top of all this, drones can also be pre-programmed for planting and crop management purposes. From their sweeping aerial views, drones can spot diseased crops, check on harvest wellbeing, and shoot seedpods at timed intervals.
All that said, though, AI is not a faultless technology. Inarguably, AI’s biggest flaw to date is its bias. Although technically unbiased AI is possible, it’s still got a way to go. Namely, there needs to be further analysis of AI training data, AI decisions must be tested, and AI datasets must be more inclusive. Only through this will AI be a fully empowering component that drone tech can utilize to become even more efficient and impactful.
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