19
Drone Technologies and Applications
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.1001987
6.6 Logistics
Drones are used in the logistics industry to transport food, packages, or goods. It is
preferred for transporting urgent or frequently sent small
parcels and for delivery to
hard-to-reach areas. One of the most important and pending problems in logistics use
is that drones need a sufficient carrying capacity. Similar to agriculture, it is also used
to scan different warehouse materials. Heavy-duty drones can improve road
traffic by
replacing existing carriers for material management and transporting goods between
warehouses. Soon, drones may be an important player in the delivery options of pack-
ages (
Figure 19
).
6.7 Emergencies
Another area where drones are used is in emergencies. Drones help the fire
brigade, police officers, volunteer rescuers, and more. Drones are used for recon-
naissance before guiding
the rescue team, especially when the extent of the disaster
is unknown. Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) prevent possible drownings
and assist in rescue in situations such as when a boat capsizes. Drones are also used to
search for the injured in avalanche cases.
6.8 Conservation of wildlife and historic buildings
Drones are an economical and effective alternative to monitor wildlife species and
protect natural life. Rapid aerial observations are important tools in gaining a better
idea of the health of the species and
ecosystem, monitoring and researching migra-
tion routes by monitoring animal groups, and preventing poaching.
Drones also scan forest floors destroyed by fires, releasing
seed containers con-
taining seeds, fertilizers, and nutrients to help trees regenerate. Considering that
Figure 19.
Logistics drone.
Drones – Various Applications
20
reforestation of such areas with human labor will
take many years, the importance of
using drone technology becomes apparent.
On the other hand, drones also play an important role in historic preservation
efforts. Drones provide great convenience in creating 3D maps of historical places or
structures. The 3D images used to reconstruct lost areas provide clues to experts about
culture and architecture [14].
6.9 Military
The first known use of drones was for military purposes.
It is used for differ-
ent purposes ranging from military, espionage, radar system,
area detection, and
observation to transporting food, weapons, and ammunition. Highly sophisticated
drones are used, equipped with tools for thermal imaging, laser rangefinder, and
even air strikes. MQ-9 Reaper, one of the drones used for military purposes today,
has a length of 36 feet and is equipped with a 1852 km flight system at an altitude of
50,000 feet [14].
