(Source: News.com.au)
A senior Australian researcher in intelligent transport systems thinks a ready to fly drone in the stocking may encourage youngsters to be the designers of future drone technology.
Dr James Ward from the University of Sydney says unmanned aerial vehicle technology has been around for 50 years and is here to stay.
Drones usually retail from several hundred dollars right up tot he thousands.
“Regardless of your opinion on the application of drones, they are commonplace equipment for a number of industries. And as the technology is refined UAVs are likely to be employed by many others,” the robotics researcher who also mentors high school students aged 14-18 at a robotics club based at the university said.
“We see young students who have been raised with hi-tech devices at their fingertips and they are keen to learn about the mechanics of such technologies. Some of the youngsters who have drones on their Xmas wishlist may in fact be the designers of future drone technology.
“So learning how they operate, thinking about potential applications of the technology and the legal and ethical issues surrounding their use can be very educational,” Dr Ward said.
Australian law prohibits the use of the UAVs at above 122 metres without Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) approval, and not within five kilometres of an aerodrome. Smaller drones used for non-commercial purposes do not require a permit or approval, but CASA regulations say they must fly at least 30 metres away from people and property.
Continue Reading at News.com.au…
Alan is serial entrepreneur, active angel investor, and a drone enthusiast. He co-founded DRONELIFE.com to address the emerging commercial market for drones and drone technology. Prior to DRONELIFE.com, Alan co-founded Where.com, ThinkingScreen Media, and Nurse.com. Recently, Alan has co-founded Crowditz.com, a leader in Equity Crowdfunding Data, Analytics, and Insights. Alan can be reached at alan(at)dronelife.com