Concept in Definition ABC

If someone sees a flying robot similar to a helicopter in a reduced size, he should not be scared or think that we are being invaded by aliens. These types of gadgets already exist on the market and are causing a sensation. They are called drones. The term drone is a carbon copy of English, since drone in English means male bee, an appropriate name, since the way of flight of these devices resembles the flight of the male bee at the time of the mating.

The main characteristic of drones is that their flight is controlled by remote control, although some of them are manned by the intervention from a software and not directly by a pilot from the ground.

There are two types of drones: some in the shape of an airplane and others that resemble the shape of a helicopter, which can be held in position static in the air.

What is a drone for

The origin of the drone must be placed in the context of military technology. Keep in mind that an aerial robot without a pilot is an effective weapon to fight the enemy.

Although drones emerged in the military sphere, in the civil sphere they are breaking through with all kinds of applications and uses:

- They have an eminently recreational use, which reminds us of other less sophisticated gadgets (traditional kites, hot air balloons or gliding planes).

- They allow aerial photographs and videos, something that is very useful to promote a business (for example, the sale of houses). In the context of aerial images it is also used as an alternative to the classic wedding photo album.

- Some companies are using them to send small packages. This may represent in the not too distant future an authentic revolution in the transport of some merchandise.

- Their areas of app they are changing rapidly. In fact, in areas where fires occur in summer, drones can be good allies to fight fires through a built-in laser system that detects the start of a fire source fire.

- Traditional surveillance tasks in open spaces can also incorporate the help of these flying devices. Consider a mass demonstration with a potential risk to the safety citizen or in tasks related to the fight against terrorism.

- There are drones that are being used in rescue tasks at sea (they detect bathers in danger and throw a life preserver to help them).

- In the world agricultural and livestock, drones facilitate monitoring tasks and provide very useful information (for example, the exact position of cattle over a large area of ​​land).

Photos: iStock - simonkr / BluIz60