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The Amazon experiment may lead to drones being used in applications ranging from disaster relief to science research
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In the long history of military projects ending up with consumer applications, the announcement by online retailer Amazon that it will use drones for urgent deliveries is intriguing. These machines have been controversial because of their use in surgical strikes against terrorists. Privacy activists will have reason to worry if governments begin to use drones to watch them under the guise of protecting them.
But the Amazon experiment could open more benign possibilities. Drones can be used in applications ranging from disaster relief to science research. For example, the difficulties in reaching essential supplies to stranded citizens during floods are a big problem in India, as the recent disaster in Uttarakhand showed once again. Drones could be one solution.
It is no surprise that US venture capital firms have begun to invest—albeit in a small way—in new companies that seek to develop drones for civilian uses.
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