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On January 16, 2018, it was reported that drones were set to undergo significant advancements. With the integration of ultra-high-performance cameras and an upgraded Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), drone navigation sensitivity would be greatly improved, surpassing current models. Additionally, new battery technologies enabled ultra-fast charging and longer flight times, allowing drones to travel farther and operate more efficiently in 2018.
As a result, many industries were expected to adopt drones into their operations this year. Three key areas stood out:
Drones could offer a broader perspective for data collection, aiding in fields like meteorology, transportation, and disaster prediction. A fleet of drones could monitor traffic in real time, helping reduce congestion. Unlike fixed cameras, drones could capture multiple angles and quickly send updates to problem areas, making them ideal for road monitoring.
Following natural disasters in 2017, such as hurricanes and wildfires, drones played a critical role in assessing damage, which proved vital for saving lives in 2018. Companies began using drones to collect and analyze data for disaster response. For instance, Kespry developed an aerial intelligence platform integrated with cloud storage to streamline insurance claims and improve disaster analysis. CyPhy produced long-endurance drones for emergency services, while Flyability introduced the Elios drone for indoor inspections in places like bridges and mines.
The data collected by drones would also fuel the growth of the drone industry itself. As more data accumulated, "smart drones" would become better at identifying hazards during flights, negotiating safe routes, and adjusting in real-time. Eventually, AI-controlled drones might even assist in managing air traffic systems, similar to what NASA is currently developing.
However, the rise of drones also raised concerns about privacy. The fear that "Big Brother" could use drones to monitor people from the sky became a growing issue. While consumers often trade convenience for privacy, regulators needed to address these challenges as drone technology advanced.
In 2018, several companies rushed to launch flying cars or autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs). Ehang, for example, introduced a personal autonomous drone, securing over $50 million in funding. Meanwhile, German company Volocopter aimed to solve urban mobility issues with a two-seater, 18-rotor drone, backed by Daimler's $30 million investment. Uber also entered the market with its Uber Elevate project, aiming to provide on-demand aerial transport by 2020, working with Boeing, Bell Helicopters, and NASA.
If skies filled with driverless taxis, traditional drivers and birds alike might face challenges. Yet, these vehicles promised cleaner, safer, and more efficient travel, potentially reducing road congestion and transforming daily commutes.
Lastly, with the rise of autonomous, multi-sensor drones, home security cameras might soon become obsolete. These drones could automatically detect suspicious activity and patrol homes until threats were resolved. While drones have been used in industrial settings, home-based monitoring systems were expected to gain traction in 2018.
For example, Sunflower Lab in Palo Alto was developing a home awareness system combining sensors with drones to eliminate blind spots. However, as home monitoring became more common, privacy and cybersecurity concerns would grow, forcing homeowners to make tough choices between safety and personal space.
Looking ahead, 2018 was set to be a transformative year for AI, computer vision, and energy storage. With rapid technological progress, this year promised exciting innovations worth watching.
Author: Yarv Bash, CEO of Flytrex Airlines; Amit Regev, Co-founder and VP of Products. Source: VB Compilation: NetEase Smart Studio, Original Link: https://venturebeat.com/2018/01/13/drone-trends-to-watch-in-2018-big-data-flying-taxis-and-home-security/
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