When people hear the term UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), the first thing that comes to mind are the drones used by the military, such as the MQ-1 Predator or the RQ-12 Wasp. Drones like these allow military personnel to remotely conduct surveillance and occasional combat operations if the UAV has onboard weaponry, while minimizing the risks to their soldiers. Although UAVs were initially used for military applications, they have since expanded into various civilian sectors.

1.Delivery

One such use for drones is the use in delivery services. By using UAVs for deliveries, companies such as Amazon could save money on shipping costs, which would reduce costs for consumers, who would receive their packages more quickly and reliably.

The first successful delivery with a UAV was a pizza delivery. In November 2016, Domino’s delivered an order of a Peri-Peri Chicken Pizza and a Chicken and Cranberry Pizza to a customer in Whangaparaoa, New Zealand.

Delivery drones have also been used to transport medicinal products such as blood products, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and medical samples. Whereas ground vehicles may not be able to reach a remote destination due to difficult terrain, a UAV can make the delivery with ease. These drones have been credited with saving lives by delivering blood in Rwanda, as well as personal protective equipment and COVID-19 tests during the pandemic in the United States, Israel, and Ghana.

2.Journalism

In recent years, UAVs have provided journalists with a unique and cost-effective way to capture footage and images from hard-to-reach places. Using a drone, news reporters can cover important events from various angles that would be impossible for a hand-held camera to capture. Additionally, drones can be used to capture footage from dangerous or inaccessible locations, such as war zones or natural disasters.

It’s important to note that the use of drones in these situations must comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, as well as sports league, venue, and local law enforcement agency rules.

3.Search and Rescue

Search and rescue operations are often tricky and unpredictable. Time is paramount, as the missing person is most likely trapped in a life-threatening situation. And depending on the location, the terrain can make things exponentially more difficult for the rescue team.

Using UAVs, the rescue team can cover more ground faster than if they were using ground-based vehicles. These drones can also provide an aerial view of the area and carry various sensors to identify specific objects and heat signatures on the ground, providing much-needed situational awareness.

In one such case in June 2017, two hikers were reported missing in Pike National Forest in Colorado. Search and rescue teams, comprising twenty-five volunteers, searched on foot, with ATVs, and with the aid of a K-9 team. But it was the team using a UAV that found the two hikers in an area spanning thousands of acres in just two hours.

4.Disaster Response

By utilizing drones in disaster relief efforts, dangerous situations can be assessed quickly without placing risks on personnel. For example, During the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, drones were used to survey the extent of the disaster without risking the lives of the relief workers. They have also proven excellent first responders since they can be deployed fast and easily compared to manned aerial vehicles.

As previously mentioned, drones are excellent at providing an aerial view of the area and can be equipped with infrared (IR) cameras to detect heat signatures. This is vital not only in search and rescue operations but also in surveying unstable areas. When dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake, a partially damaged building or a civic structure requires a thorough inspection before it can be deemed safe for humans to go there. Drones with sensors like IR cameras can survey these sites easily and safely.

5.Firefighting

UAVs can also be a massive asset to the men and women who risk their lives fighting fires. They can be immensely useful in providing situational awareness about the fire and its surroundings. By using drones equipped with thermal cameras, firefighters can determine the extent of the fire and identify its source, which can greatly aid them in bringing the situation under control and conducting search and rescue operations.

UAVs have also been used as effective tools in monitoring and suppressing wildfires. By using real-time data, firefighters can determine where a fire will move next, allowing them to make a plan for movement and evacuation quickly. In addition to providing important tactical data, UAVs are more maneuverable than helicopters or planes.

6.Agriculture

Some of the more common agricultural applications for UAVs include pest control, plant health monitoring, livestock management, soil analysis, and aerial survey. Farmers must maintain constant vigilance, as their crops are susceptible to disease, fungus, and bugs. They also need to be aware of the carbon levels and nitrates in the soil, which can impact a plant’s productivity.

Traditionally, farmers must monitor these factors by conducting visual inspections and sending soil samples to a laboratory. By using UAVs, however, these factors can be measured in real-time by utilizing a combination of RGB cameras, thermal imaging, and multi-spectral imaging.

The Future of UAVs

In this day and age, where technology is rapidly evolving to meet new demands, UAVs could fulfill a number of roles in current and future job sectors.

Additionally, many people operate drones for various hobbies, such as photography and drone racing. However, no matter how UAVs get used, operators must ensure that they comply with any rules regarding drone operation in their country. For instance, drone operators in the United States need to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA before flying a UAV.

What do you think about these use cases? Do you own a drone yourself? Let me know what you think in the comments below!