In this blog post, we’ll examine the journey of drones—which were originally developed for military use—to their current applications across various fields, as well as how they work, their utility, and the technical and social challenges that need to be addressed in the future.
Recently, the global logistics company Amazon announced plans to implement drone-based deliveries. The plan is to use GPS and drones to easily deliver goods even to areas with poor transportation infrastructure. Moving beyond the stage of a mere idea, the company is currently conducting experiments and building a network in collaboration with NASA; the plan includes applying drone technology to the delivery of various goods once technical stability is ensured. In the not-too-distant future, we may see drones flying right up to our windows to deliver items we’ve ordered.
As seen in Amazon’s business plan, drones have become such a common part of our lives that businesses are now planning drone-based operations. The term “drone” refers to an unmanned aerial vehicle and derives from the buzzing sound made by bees. The history of drones dates back to the Renaissance. Of course, the concept of a “drone” as we understand it today did not exist at that time. However, designs and models that can be linked to today’s drones did exist, and we can find traces of the early forms of drones in these historical records. Drones in the modern sense began to emerge in earnest when they were developed for military purposes such as bombing and reconnaissance; today, they are integrated with technologies across various fields and used for photography, topographic surveys, and package delivery. In the past, drones were primarily used exclusively by developers or governments, but as propulsion systems and related components became smaller and more widespread, and as technology advanced, production costs gradually decreased and accessibility increased. Consequently, we can say that an era has dawned in which individuals can purchase and use drones on their own.
Drones are classified into fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hybrid types based on their mode of operation. Fixed-wing drones, as the name implies, have fixed wings and fly by generating lift as they accelerate via a propulsion system. Rotary-wing drones use rotors to generate lift, while hybrid drones employ rotary-wing technology for vertical flight and fixed-wing technology for horizontal flight. Although rotary-wing drones have a relatively short flight time, they are preferred for personal or hobbyist use due to their low cost and ease of production. In contrast, hybrid and fixed-wing drones are difficult to produce and challenging to manufacture in small sizes; therefore, they are more commonly used for specialized purposes rather than as personal drones. Additionally, drones are often categorized based on their intended use, such as military drones for reconnaissance or bombing enemy forces, and drones designed for filming. However, as drones are increasingly utilized for a wide range of purposes, it has become necessary to classify them by considering multiple criteria, including both their intended use and operating mechanism.
Currently, drones are being utilized for various purposes, such as commercial applications and filming, ushering in the era of personal drones. Drones are recognized for their utility because they fly using relatively simple mechanical and propulsion systems, can navigate more efficient routes by bypassing inefficient road systems, and—thanks to recent advancements in network systems—can perform various missions in diverse locations. However, the era of personal drones has only just begun. If technologies from various fields are integrated into the basic framework of drones, they will possess even greater potential. Furthermore, if a global drone network is established, it will become possible to utilize the network even in locations with currently inadequate communication infrastructure, and there is potential for the creation of a logistics system several times faster than today’s. Moreover, we can envision the emergence of new forms of technology, such as personal unmanned space probes. Ultimately, drones are a technology that can further expand the scope and influence of human activity by delivering goods or equipment to desired locations and performing various tasks without the need for human movement.
Of course, the advancement of drones does not bring only positive outcomes. Hacking can cause drones to lose their original purpose and slip out of control, and issues such as privacy invasions via drones may also arise.
Furthermore, drones may malfunction or fail to perform their missions properly due to weather conditions or various other risks. As such, the advancement of drones presents many challenges that must be addressed—not only technical issues but also social ones. Based on discussions and social consensus regarding these issues, we must seek ways to maximize the positive impact that drones can bring.
