The Rise of Drones: Here to Stay

During the past several years, mainstream drones have gone from a somewhat geeky niche hobby to a full-on pop culture phenomenon.

A recent report by FAA suggests drone fever might just be getting started, according to Fortune. In fact, Fortune predicts that the number of hobbyist-owned drones will reach the 3.6 million figure by the year 2021. That would more than triple the number in 2016.

Perhaps more interesting is the claim that they expect the amount of commercially-owned drones to go from 42,000 to 442,000.

Automated Package Delivery
One of the most exciting new ways for drones to incorporate themselves into the modern economy is through package delivery. According to The Verge, Amazon performed its first-ever public package delivery in March where it dropped off some sunscreen for members of a conference. Although the conditions were pretty tightly controlled, the drone was running completely autonomously.

The FAA tightly regulates drones now, making it nearly impossible for them to be used commercially. but it is very possible that shoppers could have access to 30-minute drone deliveries in the near future.

Military Adoption
Although known more for their bomb-dropping drones, the American military also has big plans to use drone technology for saving lives rather than taking them. According to USA Today, the Marine Corps are testing systems that allow small helicopters to transform into unmanned aircraft capable of delivery supplies to troops in the field.

For more urban areas, small drones flying low and navigating city blocks can bring ammunition or water to an infantry squad engaged in combat. This capability could open the door for units to become adapted to a variety of situations on the fly simply by ordering the supplies they need for the job at hand.