Feature

The next evolutionary step in drone design

According to some, the commercial significance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, could be as important as the internet.

03/09/2018 09:59:37

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The concept of ‘drones as a service’ has already emerged thanks to companies offering a turnkey solution for businesses. Large organisations such as Amazon and Facebook are actively developing programmes to
use drones for the delivery of goods and internet connectivity in remote places, respectively. These emerging applications will increasingly rely on autonomy, and as such, drones could well be the first form
of truly autonomous vehicle that is fully integrated into society.

As well as being unmanned, drones are also untethered; compact systems that comprise power, processing, and payload. As well as operating for
as long as possible on a single charge, they will inevitably need to be able to dock themselves in order to recharge, enabling them to operate autonomously almost indefinitely. This level of
precise control and navigation is creating demand for new technologies and highlights two of the most critical features for drone development: motor control and navigation.

Read the full article in the September issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.