Drone technology is rapidly evolving. Although drones may seem like a recent development, they actually date back to over a century ago. The first drones appeared during World War I; however, they were only successful in creating pilotless aircraft, not in utilizing them in war. Now, 100 years later, drones are surging in popularity in the defense sector. These drones monitor hostile areas and reduce safety risks to soldiers. Government entities also utilize drones for search and rescue operations, firefighting, and surveillance purposes. Using drones instead of, or in addition to, manned aircraft can make operations safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective.
Technology of Drones
Propulsion Systems
All powered aircraft have propulsion systems. In commercial airplanes, this manifests as gas turbine engines. In drones, this often manifests in the form of lightweight, brushless DC motors. Brushless DC motors are battery-powered. The most common type of battery found in drones is the lithium-polymer (LiPo) battery. However, a new kind of lithium battery is emerging—lithium-silicon (Li-Si), which can store more lithium ions than their polymer counterparts. The reduced weight-to-energy ratio and larger capacity of Li-Si batteries allow for longer flight times than were previously possible.
Navigation and Positioning
Although most modern aircraft have navigation and positioning systems, it is especially important in drones due to their autonomy. The very principle of autonomous flight drones requires strong navigation and positioning systems. Drones flown by live operators with remote controls need these systems in case users lose sight of the drone, in addition to being an essential aspect of data collection in many drone use cases.
Remote-control drones are equipped with GPS, which provides real-time positioning information, enabling them to hover in place and return home. GNSS is used for surveying, mapping, and agriculture because of its precision. Inertial Measurement Units, or IMUs keep drones stable in the sky even when the signal is weak. This stability translates into smoother flight control, which is critical for seamless aerial photography and videography.
To fly and complete tasks independently, drones also need to detect unmapped obstacles on their own. There is no one set technology used for obstacle avoidance sensors. LiDAR is highly accurate at measuring distance and is often used for 3D mapping. Drones that fly in low visibility, such as those used in search and rescue operations, utilize radar to detect larger objects at long ranges. Ultrasonic sensors measure proximity by emitting sound waves, while infrared and thermal imaging sensors are used for close-range obstacle detection by identifying heat signatures.
Communication and Control Systems
As mentioned earlier, there are two primary categories of drone control: remote control and autonomous flight. Remote control drones are operated in real-time by pilots using handheld transmitters or mobile apps. These drones are best for short-range tasks, such as recreational use or real estate photography.
On the other hand, autonomous flight drones are used in many commercial operations, including agriculture, surveying, and delivery. Autonomous drones fly pre-programmed routes without constant human input. Though humans can take control and alter flight paths, these drones are designed to be self-sufficient in completing their tasks.
When it comes to IoT connectivity, all consumer drones and many commercial drones operate on radio frequencies, which are adequate for short- to medium-range applications. Long-range drones use 5G. Drones that stream live video are also equipped with WiFi, an essential feature in remote-controlled drones.
Imaging and Payload Technologies
All of the additional features that drones offer beyond flying are payload technologies. One of the most common payload technologies is high-resolution cameras, which have upgraded real estate capabilities and made aerial videography more affordable and accessible. Thermal imaging is used in drones in some of the use cases discussed below, such as public safety. Multispectral sensors, such as infrared, are used in agriculture for monitoring crop health, soil conditions, and irrigation.
Another technology that has developed alongside drones is the ability to use drones in precision delivery systems. Blood for transfusions and medications are both critical, time-sensitive supplies that need to be delivered in the wake of disasters. However, the disasters that create an urgent need for these supplies also damage and destroy essential infrastructure required for delivering medical materials. Drones can be used for last-mile delivery in areas that become inaccessible by land.
Last-mile delivery is not only used for essential, life-saving purposes. Pilot programs for last-mile delivery have been launched and could be expanded to more metro areas or even entire regions over the next few years. Drone food delivery is also in its early testing stages. Ground food delivery robots have popped up across the country in cities and college towns, so it’s only a matter of time until driverless food delivery takes to the skies.
Expanding Drone Applications
Drones are used in many more fields than just defense and personal use. Other industries that are incorporating drones include agriculture, logistics, construction and infrastructure, public safety, and media and entertainment.
Agriculture
In agriculture, advanced drones are used for soil analysis and crop monitoring, including the monitoring of growth and field conditions, such as areas of poor drainage. Drones can be programmed to fly predetermined routes covering a designated area. Some drones are used for spraying fertilizers or pesticides. These spraying systems work in conjunction with crop monitoring technology, as they can pinpoint areas that require treatment, saving time and money. Not all drones effectively incorporated into farming operations are as advanced as the ones described above. Some farmers pilot drones equipped with a regular camera to inspect their land quickly, which is particularly useful when searching for damage after a storm.
Construction
The same monitoring principles used in agriculture are also applied to construction sites. Drones are used for site surveying and 3D mapping, which would otherwise require much more time and labor. Additionally, drones can conduct safety inspections of buildings, protecting people from potentially unsafe environments.
Logistics
Recently, drones have been introduced into supply chain operations. Drones are used for warehouse management. Last-mile delivery drones were initially used for medical deliveries. Blood and medications are delivered by drone to some remote locations that are difficult to reach by road. In the US, Amazon has piloted a drone delivery program in parts of Arizona and Texas.
Public Safety
Drones also provide essential services in the public safety sector. In disaster relief operations, drones relay information to first responders and relief workers. Drones cover large areas and can tell ground crews where there are people in need of assistance, whether buildings are safe to enter, and what the current environmental conditions are. Unlike helicopters, drones do not need large, clear areas for takeoff and landing, and they can be operated remotely. Drones are also used in firefighting, specifically in regards to wildfires. Specialized drones can monitor wind direction, provide smoke imagery, and track wildfires while minimizing risks to firefighters and pilots who would otherwise have to fly near the fires if drones were not in use.
Media and Entertainment
The drones most familiar to the general public are found in the media and entertainment industry. In film and television production, drones are a less disruptive and more cost-effective choice for aerial photography and videography. Live events, such as sporting events and concerts, use drones to capture aerial coverage. Drones are especially effective in covering events that cover a large area, such as marathons or cross-country cycling races. Drones are also immensely popular tools for capturing photos of properties for real estate and tourism purposes.
Benefits of Using Drones
Drones are incredibly diverse. This means that no matter the need, there is a drone model with the right combination of payload technology and affordability. Drones are more cost efficient than non-drone alternatives. Even advanced models are good economic decisions for companies, as they are used in place of other expensive equipment and replace the need for skilled manual labor. Drones also protect pilots who otherwise would need to fly under dangerous conditions, like hostile areas or wildfires.
Technology as a whole is rapidly advancing. Drones, in particular, are becoming increasingly intelligent, as evidenced by autonomous drones that offer pinpoint precision and detection capabilities. Rapidly advancing technology also makes it more accessible to small companies, startups, and everyday consumers. Just as computers were once only available to top companies and are now in virtually every home in America, drones are also becoming more accessible, but on a much faster timeline. Drones are also highly scalable for growing companies, such as surveyors, for whom drones are integral to their operations.
As more companies integrate environmental responsibility into their core values, switching to drones, which run on battery power, not gas, could be an integral factor in reaching sustainability goals, such as net-zero initiatives.
Regulations for drone operations are also evolving. The most recent update to the FAA’s BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) rule occurred in August 2025. Drones used for public safety, surveying, agriculture, package delivery, and recreation are all covered by the BVLOS rule. Drones weighing less than 1,320 pounds (including any cargo they carry) do not require operators to obtain traditional FAA airworthiness certificates, as they are certified as airworthy at the manufacturing level. Instead, commercial operators submit their boundaries of operation, takeoff and landing areas, and approximate number of daily flights to the FAA for either a BVLOS permit or certificate, depending on the scope of their operations.
Potential Risks of Using Drones
As with any new technology that companies integrate into their regular operations, there are some risks to be aware of with drones. Operators can get in trouble with the FAA if they do not comply with airspace regulations, such as flying too close to airports or other restricted areas. The BVLOS rule also stipulates that drones fly at 400 feet or less above ground level to prevent collisions with manned aircraft. Although these risks are preventable as long as operators comply with FAA regulations, there is also the less preventable risk of mechanical failures that could cause drones to crash to the ground. Regular equipment checks and early warning systems can mitigate this risk. It is also essential for operators to monitor battery life so that the drone has adequate time to return home before running out of power.
Flying in restricted zones is not the only kind of operator misuse that creates problems with drone use. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras have sparked ethical debates about surveillance and the unauthorized capture of images of people and property. Although there are no federal restrictions on flying drones over private property, some states prohibit capturing and/or distributing images of private property without consent.
The Future of a World with Drones
Imagine fleets of drones connected through IoT, sharing data in real time to make cities smarter and farms more efficient. Picture humanitarian missions where drones cut through war zones or disaster areas, delivering supplies without putting more lives at risk. Think about the difference it makes when medical kits or food reach remote communities cut off by floods, or when your groceries land right at your doorstep within minutes of ordering. This isn’t science fiction—it’s where the industry is heading, and the pace of innovation is only accelerating. The future with drones is closer than you think, and we’re building it today.
From the motors that keep them in the air, to the sensors that guide their flight, to the cameras and payloads they carry, drones bring together an entire ecosystem of technology in a way that is practical and approachable. They cut costs, reduce risks, and open doors to new opportunities across industries. Pivot Castle is a leading brand for lightweight, high-powered brushless DC motors. Our motors and ESCs are proven in military and industrial drones. Pivot International has over 50 years of experience in product design and manufacturing. Contact us to learn more about how our teams can help bring your product from concept to market.
