The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) — aka "drones" — equipped with video cameras appears to be growing considerably. In fact, it seems to show potential for becoming so popular that people might start calling the view from above a "drone's-eye view."
In February 2013, ENR reported on the Georgia Institute of Technology's research into the future use of camera-equipped drones on construction sites. According to ENR's report, "Although they have raised many privacy issues in the U.S., drones have great potential on jobsites. As long as UAVs are flown at 400 feet or below and weigh less than 4.4 pounds, they qualify for hobby use, a status that doesn't require the lengthy, 24-month permitting process required by the FAA for larger UAVs in U.S. airspace."
More and more, it appears builders are ready to bring this futuristic technology into the here and now. In Miami, for instance, builders of the $275-million Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, took a drone for a quick tour of their jobsite, the results of which you can see below. (Warning: I suggest turning down your computer's volume first.)
Youtube video posted by Frost Science.
But the Frost museum's builders apparently aren't the only ones in Miami trying out drones for some aerial reconnaissance, as you can see below. (Again, check your volume.)
Of course, this is just the beginning. Drones may quickly become a common fixture on construction sites. And those drones might even be manufactured with a 3D printer. According to an article published by the University of Sheffield, the drone shown in the video below was 3D printed in less than 24 hours, spans approximately 1.5 meters and weighs less than 2 kg.
Youtube video posted by the University of Sheffield Advanced Research Manufacturing Centre.
Welcome to the future.
