In 2016, let's start thinking of drones as infrastructure
Many people still think of drones as shiny (pricey) toys you use to capture aerial selfies. For those of us in the robotics industry working to deploy industrial-grade drones at scale to help enterprises optimize their operations, that notion couldn't be further from the truth.
At #TedXINSEADSingapore this past November, I wanted to re-frame the ongoing discussion around drones. It's time to lay to rest this idea of drones as fun toys, and start thinking about the myriad applications where they can replace humans in carrying out dull, dangerous and demeaning tasks. We essentially need to think of drones as infrastructure – as just one part of the basic supporting structures and tools in our society – so that we can move past the cool flying robots and think about what they can be used for.
Today's drone applications – building inspections, plantation mapping and monitoring, delivery, search and rescue – are just the tip of the iceberg. What new applications will you dream up in 2016?
Retired lecturer and musician
8 年Mark, This is an interesting post. Rather than serving as toys for wealthy people there are no doubt a myriad of of practical uses for the drones, some of which you have already alluded to. What about for security at schools, during playtime, in order to monitor and report any bullying that may be going on?
Strategic Planning X Health x Tech | Ex Air Force & Grab| MPH | University of Michigan
9 年Indeed drones have much potential. We visited a company called Skycatch and saw how it was used to map construction sites, saving lots of time and cost!
Geoscience Specialist (Consultant)
9 年Great Article Mark!!!!!