What Would You Do With a Drone?

from Smithsonian

As the potential drone applications grow, so does the build-your-own drone movement

It’s probably safe to say that drones will play a key role in our future

“People have long been fascinated by the ability to see from the sky,” says Christopher Vo, a graduate researcher at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Like the hot-air balloons, zeppelin, and airplanes before them, drones allow humans to look at their world from a different perspective. Vo spoke about the potential for personal drones at the Smithsonian’s The Future Is Here conference in Washington, DC. Exactly what role these flying robots will play in our future remains to be seen.

Drone technology was developed for military use, but a growing number of alternatives have popped up in the last decade. Citrus farmers now use drones to monitor crops. Conservationists keep tabs on endangered species, as well as any poachers. Police departments are thinking of using them in rescue and hostage situations. Drones have even helped shoot some major feature films, including Man of Steel and Skyfall. “The technology has become smaller, easier, safer, more accessible, and mainstream,” says Vo.

So, what’s changed? Two trends have driven this expansion: open source technology and the “makers” or DIY movement.

Continue Reading at SmithsonianMag.com…