Drones are small remotely controlled aerial vehicles, i.e., they are unmanned aerial vehicles. They look like helicopters or reconnaissance aircraft and, without a doubt, one of their strengths is the many different applications for which they can be used.
Miniaturisation has made it possible for drones to fit inside a rucksack or even on the palm of the hand, which makes them our best ally in very different scenarios: they can monitor crops, detect water leakages, monitor species in danger of extinction, find people in emergency situations, help predict the weather, speed up the electricity grid inspection and maintenance tasks, and a long etcetera.
From a business point of view, the drone revolution is leading to an in-depth transformation of the main sectors of activity, since they can take on complex tasks and reduce costs. The current drone market has reached $29.86 billion in the US alone, and is expected to grow at a rate of 38.6% per year until 2030. According to the EU, it will reach €10 billion per year by 2035.
Drone of Iberdrola's Data Gathering II project, used to inspect substations, transformers and power lines. Video voice transcription (Spanish version) [PDF] External link, opens in new window.
Legislation has already adapted to the new times with a single European law regulating the activity of this type of devices and a map by country of the areas where a drone can fly. However, in order to be able to do so, a series of rules must be complied with. It is necessary to register as an operator, be trained as a pilot and have civil liability insurance, in addition to complying with various flight regulations, and those of the places where their use is permitted.
These small aerial wizards are already prepared to help us in many different missions:
