Big Market Research has completed a new study of Smart Commerical Drones.  This next generation of drones will have better technology, support high quality video, improved stability, reliability, and navigation, softer landings, longer flights, and the ability to carry loads.

The term “smart” can be applied to drones that have sensors and software which allows for automated response to a camera or sensor input.  Connectivity to smartphones is coming, but isn’t a requirement of the name.  Smart commercial drones will connect to the Internet and each other.

They contain sensor logic, making them easier to fly, and come with computer driven collision avoidance technology.  Cameras are rapidly improving as well– taking pictures that are realistic and detailed.

In this study, we illustrate how drones achieve doing work even though they are remotely controlled. Drones are expected to provide billions of dollars in economic growth. The economic benefits are significant. Developing countries are more receptive to drones than the U.S. is. In the US the FAA early on granted one exception, then granted 8 commercial UAS exemptions, then 10 more. It has by now granted 1,000 exceptions, but this does not a market make.

You can read the full report to learn about the technology, their implications and the study’s findings.