APU Business Original

The Use of Drone Technology Is Continuing to Expand

By Dr. Kandis Boyd Wyatt
Faculty Member, Transportation and Logistics

and Stevenson Demorcy
CEO, STEAMedDrones

The world continues to be captivated by advances in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM). On April 22nd, NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter conducted its second successful flight. The flight lasted 51.9 seconds and had more challenges than the first expedition, including a higher maximum altitude, longer duration, and sideways movement.

During its flight, the mini helicopter came to a stop, hovered in place, and made turns to point its camera in different directions. This type of mobility is record-breaking, because it was the first time a controlled power flight was conducted on another planet.

Mini NASA’s Helicopter Helping to Advance Drone Technology

The second flight of NASA’s miniature helicopter has direct implications to advancements in drone technology. Drones are commonly defined as an unmanned aircraft or ship that can navigate autonomously, without human control or beyond line of sight.

Drones have proven to be effective and efficient in a wide variety of areas, including aerial photography, distance learning, disaster mitigation, commercial deliveries, light show displays, law enforcement, and fire prevention. New academic courses involving drone use are emerging, such as drone journalism or the use of aerial footage to relay information.

Advancements in drone technology have also included:

  1. Rechargeable drones: Drones equipped with solar panels can remain airborne for larger periods of time.
  2. Weatherproof drones: Drones with moisture-resistant hardware can better withstand adverse weather.
  3. Self-landing drones: Through auto-land systems, drones now have the capability to land themselves.
  4. Data transmission services: Installing cameras on drones enable visual data that can be transmitted in real time.

Drone Restrictions Are Relaxing

According to Cision, drone sales have been limited by regulatory restrictions requiring pilots to keep drone platforms “in sight” while in operation. Amazon started using drone delivery in 2013, but the widespread use of drone delivery is expanding as drones become more commercialized in the United States.

But new policies will enable drones to fly over people and at night. These new policies will provide more flexibility to companies using drones to speed deliveries to customers. 

Ethical Considerations to Drone Use

There are also ethical considerations to using drones, such as designing drones to harm others. Prosecutors in Mexico say two men have been ordered to stand trial for allegedly making explosive-laden drones of the kind that have been used in recent attacks on police and soldiers.

In addition, there are increased reports of drones causing destruction. One case involves a Syrian oil tanker blaming a fire on a suspected attack by a drone coming from the direction of Lebanese waters.

Similarly, the Biden administration plans to move forward with $23 billion in weapons sales to the United Arab Emirates, which includes MQ-9B armed drones. Attritable drone production, which the military defines as an asset that can be reused but cheap enough that a commander would be comfortable with a certain number of losses while in combat, is on the rise.

The Market for Drones Is Expanding

The market for drones is growing, and there is a need to hire more experts to expand the STEAM component of this emerging field. Kid-friendly drones are already in the market. There is also a need to create a diverse pipeline of future enthusiasts, which includes targeting underrepresented minority populations, women, and people with disabilities.

More Representation in Drone Technology Is Needed

Stevenson Demorcy, the CEO of STEAMedDrones in New Jersey, is working on improving diversity in the drone technology field. His program, STEAMed Drones, uses flying drones with cameras to teach science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The principal objective in developing this unique STEAM-based pipeline is to engender a sense of wonder and respect for science and its endless innovations.

Stevenson notes that the U.S. has fallen behind in drone technology. According to the STEAMed Drones website, “Women, for example, are incredibly underutilized resources within drone and flight science, making up less than 5% of certified, licensed drone pilots. Fostering more interest among students could better position our future in the arena.”

Stevenson also notes that there is a disconnect between what is happening in the job market and the secondary education system. He says, “We have yet to develop a scalable model to introduce students to drones, aviation, and aerospace; this is a high area of concern because America has a history of leading this field. Katherine Johnson was essential in landing man into orbit, and the Wright brothers invented, built, and flew the first successful airplane.”

According to Cision, the race is on: “Regulatory agencies race to keep up with the pace of technological change and drone end users discover best practices to optimize aerial intelligence for decision-making in a wide range of industries.” America has a history of leading, and the area of drone technology should continue to thrive.

About the Authors

Dr. Kandis Y. Boyd Wyatt, PMP, is an award-winning author, presenter, and professor with nearly 30 years of experience in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). She is the creator of the Professor S.T.E.A.M. Childrens’ Book Series, which brings tomorrow’s concepts to future leaders today. A global speaker, STEAM advocate, and STEM communicator, she holds a B.S. in meteorology and an M.S. in meteorology and water resources from Iowa State University, as well as a D.P.A. in public administration from Nova Southeastern University. She is a faculty member in Transportation and Logistics for the Wallace E. Boston School of Business.

Stevenson Demorcy is the CEO of STEAMedDrones. He holds a degree in secondary education mathematics from the College of New Jersey and a certification in mathematics secondary teaching. He has served in several positions and developed district drone curriculums. Stevenson has also served as the chair of Robotics for STEM Civics Charter School and a Ten89 Education Liasion for Jersey City Public Schools. He is a head coach with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).

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