Drones may be a relatively new technology, but artificial intelligence (AI) is already taking over. Autonomous drones are becoming more and more prevalent across all types of industries –from agriculture to construction to insurance. AI has actually started to become a force to be reckoned with in the drone industry –AI not only has taken on the task of autonomous flight but also processing data collected during missions and turning it into actionable information and insights. Now an operator can press a button and fly its mission; but the drone (through its AI technology and software systems) also patches photos together and picks out important data relevant to the mission and the underlying business purpose. Of course, in the areas that require the more complex decision-making, humans will remain in charge for the foreseeable future to offer their expertise and experience.

However, overall, AI in drones can bring significant benefits, such as:

• Improved Efficiency: A drone camera and sensors can gather over 70 terabytes of data in one flight. As AI improves, the data can be mined and product insight about just about anything almost instantaneously.

• New Insights: Tasks that used to be cost-prohibitive (e.g., counting pallets of mulch) will be automated. It will allow businesses to gain new insights into their inventory and revenue streams. Drones with AI will also be able to automatically track inventory, which will automate procurement and allow supply chains to respond better to changes in inventory (in real time).

AI improvements will streamline time-sensitive processes and turn raw data into useful information. Simple, repetitive tasks can be completed by a drone with AI capabilities allowing humans an opportunity to take on the more challenging tasks and increase efficiency, and ultimately revenue.