Engineering the Future of Drones for Commercial Use

Once just a small community of drone-hobbyists, drones have become a worldwide phenomenon. When FAA regulations changed in 2016, it paved the way for UAV software technology improvements and dramatic changes to the drone industry in the coming years.

FAA Loosens Regulations on Drone Use

In June 2016, the FAA released new guidelines allowing the expansion of drones for commercial use. The new guidelines included:

•  Pilots must be at least 16 years old
• Pilots must hold a remote pilot airman certificate issued by the FAA
• Operation is only allowed during daylight or twilight with the appropriate lighting
• Drones must stay in visual line of sight of the pilot
• Drones cannot go beyond a maximum ground speed of 100 mph and an altitude of 400 feet

These rules are in place for UAV surveillance, survey, real estate photography, research, site inspections, and more. As technology improves and regulations are revised, other uses such as drone delivery may continue to expand the industry.

Engineering Drones for Commercial Use

Only recently have drones for commercial use reached the mainstream market, but universities have been engineering and building drones for decades. For many years, engineering students at universities have studied advanced control algorithms used to keep drones flying level and straight.

Engineers are continually working on drones and related technology including innovative UAV software, automation, and sensors. In addition, researchers are developing navigation systems that don’t need to rely on GPS satellites. This means drones could navigate underground, in deep canyons, or inside buildings where GPS signals are inaccessible. These technology advances could significantly expand the usefulness of drones.

Research groups are also working on ways to detect gas leaks from oil pipelines by using drones. This is a significant task given the millions of miles of pipelines across the country. By attaching methane-sniffing sensors on drones, it would make it easier for drones to fly the pipeline routes, register the location and volume of a leak, and signal repair and cleanup crews.

Expansion of Agriculture and Environmental Work

Drones for commercial use have largely expanded in agricultural and environmental work. Perhaps the most significant factor is how easy it is for drones to collect data.

Thermal cameras on drones allow researchers to learn more about water consumption rates on several varieties of crops. Data collected by the drones are so detailed that companies can gain better estimates of crop yield. Farmers can know precisely how big their harvest will be and how much money they’ll make. This allows them to make better budget decisions and forecasting for their business.

Drones are also useful for aerial UAV surveillance and survey mapping. In the past, researchers were limited to walking and taking pictures of areas which could disrupt wildlife. Drones can collect data more frequently and accurately while doing a better job of mapping and analyzing environmental information. This enables environmental workers to prepare local communities in advance of possible environmental disasters such as erosion or flooding.

At Insitu, we specialize in drones for commercial use and UAV software technologies. Contact us to learn more about our programs.