Drones
What is a Drone?
Drones are Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Some are flown using a remote control while others can be programmed to fly autonomously, with little to no human intervention. The commercial drones you have probably seen are generally quadcopters with four motors and a remote control. However, there are a variety of different drones used in agriculture, construction, aerial mapping, the military, and nearly every industry.
Watch this quick video to learn the basics, then check out the additional resources below to learn about different types of drones, how they fly, and where donres are used.
Additional Resources
- Types of Drones: Explore the Different Types of Professional Drones (Drone Enthusiast)
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Federal Aviation Administration)
- Shopping for a Drone? If you're looking for a drone to use for a specific purpose, this website provides buying guides and drone models to use in different industries.
- What are Drones? The Center for a New American Security describes major categories of drones, their capabilities, safety and security specifications, and other details.
- How Do Drones Work and What is Drone Technology? (DroneZon)
Learn more about how drones are used, privacy and security, and drone careers in other sections of this page.
Real World Drone Solutions
Drones are pretty much everywhere now. Start by watching this fun video from Mr. Beast on YouTube, then check out the links below to see how drones are being put to good use around the world:
Additional Resources
- Drone technology uses and applications for commercial, industrial and military drones in 2020 and the future: (Business Insider)
- World Economic Forum Drones: See how drones are being used around the world.
- Drones for Good: Drone Deploy empowers change in communities and provides support for doing good with drones.
- Connected Skies: The GSMA represents mobile operates worldwide. Learn how the GSMA is connecting the skies using drone technology.
- 38 Ways Drones Will Impact Society (CBInsights)
- Drones and AI are top of the tree for wildlife surveillance (Nature Research)
- 6 Ways Drones Are Affecting the Construction Industry (The Balance- Small Business)
What Could Go Wrong?
Start with this video that opens up a discussion about how technology designed to do good can be used for more nefarious purposes later on. Then check out these links to learn about drone privacy, security, and what to do about it from experts in the field:
Additional Resources
- Meet the Mother of Drones: IBM interviews Karen Risa Robbins, a pioneer in the drone industry and advocate for women in tech. She touches on what drones are, and how to stay safe.
- How to Secure Your Drone from Hackers (DroneZon)
- Using Blockchain to Address Drone Cybersecurity: Security Intelligence describes how one technology can secure another technology.
- eyes in the Sky: The Public Has Privacy Concerns About Drones (Forbes)
- Protecting Privacy from Aerial Surveillance: Recommendations for Government Use of Drone Aircraft (American Civil Liberties Union)
How Are Drones Made?
Drones are a combination of different technologies. Many use hardware, software, artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and may be controlled by an app. As drone technology becomes more advanced, it is essential for people to build effective teams to design, develop, and deploy drones out into the world.
This video demonstrates a robot and drone system to assist in mine rescues that takes incredible teamwork to accomplish. Then check out the resources below to learn from experts about how drone teams work, and how drones can become part of your your, or all of your job.
Additional Resources
- From Prototype to Fabrication: Discover How Drones Are Made (Industrial Skyworks)
- 6-Step Process for Implementing the Use of Drones (Government Technology)
- Your Guide to Managing an Effective Drone Program (Measure is a company that helps other companies develop successful drone programs))
- Drone Jobs Guide: UAV Coach describes drone jobs across industries and how to get started.
- 5 Things to Consider When Setting up Your In-House Drone Operation (Medium)
- Become a Drone Pilot (Federal Aviation Administration)
Try it in Your Library!
Here are some resources to get started with drones in your library. Some activities require a drone, others are drone-free to start learning essential concepts. There are also a couple online courses to point people to who are intersted in learning more.
- Using Drones to Assess Damage: This hands-on activity from the IEEE is a great way to introduce kids and adults to a practical use for drones, without using a drone.
- K-12 Drone Activities & Resources: This teacher made resource is chalk full of activities and information resources for kids of all ages.
- Drones in High-Tech Farming: National Agriculture in the Classroom provides a set of activiites that can be done in schools or libraries.
- Drones S.T.E.M. Curriculum: Try this curriculum from Wayne State University. It can be adapted for many age groups.
- How to Fly a Drone: A Beginner's Guide to Multirotor Systems & Flight Proficiency: Try this guide from UAV Coach to get started in the right direction.
- Edx: Search for "drones" and find the latest online course offerings.
- SkyOp Training: Use this nationally recognized curriculum to train local businesses, high school students, or college students to become a certified drone pilot. They also offer educator training.
- Drone Training Curriculum Coming to High Schools: The Journal offers this review and description of SkyOps Training.
You can also check out a drone kit from the Nebraska Library Commission and do a demonstration at your library for free!
Learning Communities
If you want to get started in drones, try joining an online learning community, or seek out some local options. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people is a great way to learn how to drone the right way!
Online communities are difficult to maintain, so it can take some time to find a good one that works for you. You might also want to try the online learning communities for other types of technology, especially if your drone interest overlaps with robotics, AI, or IoT. Be persistent and don't be afraid to experiement!
Online Options
- UAV Coach Community: Track recent news, updates, and get involved in conversations.
- FAA Resources & Other Topics: Find out what the FAA has going on, including Community Engagement Toolkits and policy document resources.
Some drone companies like DJI also have online discussion communities. Try Twitter or your preferred social media to see if there is already a group going strong online.