Artificial intelligence has transformed drone technology. In the past drone functions were quite limited because they just took aerial shots and brought them back.
Now paired up with AI, drones have become a hundred times more capable. They can accomplish a truckload load of tasks which include but are not limited to sharing data in real-time, perceiving their surroundings, and adding more value to operations.
Let’s see how drones and AI work together:
So, How Drones with AI Work?
With artificial intelligence in action, drone technology majorly relies on computer vision which draws on Machine learning and deep learning.
Computer vision
AI-powered Computer vision allows drones to behave like humans. It is achieved by Modern engineers by preparing programs on machine learning to feed data in the form of specific image labelling. The computer then learns to detect objects correctly, avoid them during flight and complete the mission without the need for human intervention.
The neural networks keep on enhancing their ability of object detection without any further assistance from human input. The high-powered neural network or deep learning allows the drones to classify information accordingly and produce results in real-time.
Sensors
Sensors are another significant component of modern drones as they heavily rely on sensors during flight. Drones collect data through vision, environment, and positions. The data is processed through machine learning and deep neural networks to enhance their programs and improve mission quality.
The data is used for accurate classification of objects, environmental factors, and which objects should prioritize and what to avoid.
Benefits of AI Drone Technology
The drones which merely brought back the images now can send data in real-time, take actions according to insights thanks to AI. The benefits of drones have increased exponentially ever since they were coupled with AI.
Let’s look at the benefits of AI Drones:
– The drone processors work a hundred times faster than human beings.
– It can penetrate buildings, homes, and any place and cannot be stopped.
– Algorithms help them to avoid mid-flight collisions.
– It can shorten wartime by deploying arms faster.
– It is useful in monitoring the crops.
– It is an anti-sniper machine.
– It is a compact machine and weighs very little.
– It is autonomous and can take action according to the data streams.
– It can recognize faces and places very well which helps it to accurately fulfills orders.
Uses of AI Drones:
Ever since drones were coupled with AI, their usage has increased manifold. The real-time data streaming allows users to direct drones for taking actions without human deployment.
Let’s delve a bit deeper on how drones are transforming global operations.
Replace the pilots
Drones have replaced pilots in military, search and rescue and fire-fighting endeavors. Computer vision allows drones to maneuver through difficult areas, avoid collisions, and film the flight autonomously.
Moreover, computer vision enables these quadrotors to identify objects and calculate their importance for further action. They can also be deployed in extreme weather areas where human penetration is impossible.
Protection of Architecture
Drones have also been used to save precious architecture from vandalism, accidental fires, and arson. They not only provide quick reports to concerned authorities for speedy action but can also be used to restore the architecture’s design and make.
Recently, the Notre Dame accidental fire damaged the architecture, and drones aided in putting the fire out. Furthermore, they also helped engineers to restore its design successfully.
Measure and identify
AI drones have the ability to successfully identify objects accurately from great distances. They can identify the species under oceans, in the sky, and forests successfully. Not only that but they can also measure objects moving or static with ease.
Use in Agriculture
Drones are also heavily involved in agriculture. They aid farmers in monitoring the crops, environmental condition, and keeping the pests away from produce.
Additionally, drones can also spread the seeds on the ground, saving manual labor. They can also spray the pesticides on the designated area and time.
E-commerce
Can you imagine your parcel delivery in half an hour by a quadrotor? Big e-commerce companies are toying with the idea of using drones to deliver orders.
Though the idea seems far-fetched it is not incomprehensible. Many big-name companies like, Amazon, have already set-up dedicated framework and architecture to make this idea come to life.
This idea has both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, the deliveries are dispatched sooner, but on the flip-side customers living in complex addresses would have to walk a few miles to fetch their package.
Conclusion
AI Drones, like any other invention, has transformed the way things used to be. The machines are slowly taking over menial tasks. From saving the elephants on the planet to fighting the wars, the possibilities of AI Drones are endless. You can even witness a drone acrobat session for fun. Soon, drones might even have their own race leagues. And well, drones will deliver the packages and pizzas very soon.
