Looking like a device straight out of science-fiction, drones have taken the world by storm. Also called Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, drones are being used by private industry and government. Whether being used to provide aerial views of an archaeological dig or to provide stunning shots for a blockbuster motion picture, there's no doubt drones are here to stay. As a result, they are changing the tech industry in ways no one ever imagined just a few years ago.
A Multi-Billion Dollar Market
According to the Teal Group Corporation, which specializes in defense and aerospace research, almost $90 billion will be spent on drones over the next 10 years. A staggering figure, it demonstrates the almost unlimited potential of these devices. In fact, the tech industry is in fast-forward mode, with various prototypes being developed and tested not only in the United States, but also Australia, Switzerland, and many other nations.
Open-Source Technology
Along with the various shapes and sizes drones can come in today, the tech industry is rapidly developing new types of hardware and software that are being used for numerous applications. Known as open-source technology, these simplifications to the equipment and IT processes that help pilot the drones have led to great reductions in cost, enabling hobbyists as well as researchers to use drones for more and more applications.
Replacing the Mail Truck
If you've got an IT degree and want to work on something that will impact society, then drones are your ticket. For example, Amazon.com is currently partnering with many Silicon Valley companies to develop drones that will deliver packages to a person's front door. Current prototypes, which can carry packages of five pounds or less, could one day deliver to as many as 86 percent of Amazon's customers.
The Hacking Threat
As with most of today's technology, the threat of being hacked is always looming. This is especially true with drones, and as a result tech industry companies are investing millions of dollars to design software that will be virtually hack-proof. However, hackers have already released design and software specs that allow drones to be taken over by other individuals, creating what are known as "zombie drones." Because of this, tech companies are making cyber-security a top priority.
With drones continuing to grow in popularity, there appears to be no end in sight for their uses. Therefore, people possessing IT degrees will be in high demand to meet the constant challenges of this ever-changing technology.
Comments
@John
I agree with you
The number one problem with drones today, is that they get A LOT of media attention. So everybody want's to use them to solve problems, regardless of if they are the right solution for the problem or not.
Just insert the word 'drone' into your business proposal and you are guaranteed media coverage which makes it easier to get funding. And when these 'solutions' start to fail, it will damage the general image of drones in the long run. Just like overoptimistic media coverage of VR googles in the 90's hurt the entire concept for decades.