Drones are gradually becoming a vital feature across a wide range different industries, from farming to insurance and manufacturing. As their presence becomes more and more common across a range of different industries, there is no doubt that young engineers will be required to know the latest UAV technology as well as the safety procedures and privacy policies surrounding the use of drones.

The ability of UAVs, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles that are most commonly called drones will benefit businesses and the engineering sector in particular is they will be able to reach previously inaccessible areas while also being able to gather a significant amount of data. The benefits of these products make them an obvious tool choice for people working in a large expanse of land as well as when in dangerous terrain and larger construction projects.

It is thought that is time, drones will be used to replace people power for more dangerous roles in order to create a safer environment for hands-on workers across a wide range of different industries. These roles could include Oil rig workers as well as firefighters and a range of other emergency service roles that prevent human lives being put at risk to carry out a role.

Drones being manufactured at the moment are installed with a variety of different technologies, making them useful across industries. For example, 3D Mapping is being used in drones to assist with work in planning and design as well as construction and risk management for insurance and land maintenance in agriculture. Thermal Imaging can be used for monitoring and is beneficial for surveying power lines and detecting gas leaks. Drones are also being explored as a lighting solution, being used at a range of major events such as Coachella in order to perform choreographed routines. There is also a trial taking place for the use of drones as street lighting. As a safety solution, UAVs can be used following a natural disaster, to locate survivors and help to analyse damaged infrastructure while also delivering much-needed supplies and equipment.