The Internet of Drones

摘要

I've always liked flying and am a bit of an aircraft junkie. When I was 10 years old, we drove past Boeing Field in Seattle, and I was amazed at the 707s, 727s, and the then brand-new 747s that were there, awaiting delivery. I went through a model airplane and model rocket phase as a kid and eventually obtained my pilot's license-although I no longer fly. I continue to be interested in things that fly and have watched the rising craze over drones with interest. YouTube is awash with amazing videos taken from drones flying over seashores and volcanos, flying in formation with geese, or being attacked by angry eagles. You can purchase a drone at Walmart for as little as $30. But as drones have become both more popular and more sophisticated, not only has their recreational use dramatically increased, but interest in using them for commercial purposes has also exploded. Both Google and Amazon are actively testing the use of drones for package delivery. They have been employed for advertising and marketing purposes and in 3D mapping and have played a role in search and rescue efforts.