Drone

The drones you commonly see are small aircraft that lift off by spinning several propellers. By changing the speed of each propeller a little, they hover in place or change direction. Thanks to satellite signals that give their position, tilt sensors and cameras, even a first-time flier can handle one easily.

Besides taking pictures from the sky, they are used for spraying pesticide, inspecting bridges and power towers, watching for wildfires, and delivering to islands and mountain villages. Many flying together in a swarm can even draw pictures in the night sky. As drones have come into wide use as weapons in war, technology to stop drones has become important too.

Imagine a robot vacuum that flies. It knows its own position, goes around the area you set, and comes back when its battery runs low.

Starting as filming gear, their uses have spread to farming, logistics, safety inspection and defense. Attempts to build air taxis that carry people grew out of drone technology as well.