BVLOS Drones in 2033!!!
Introduction
BVLOS drones are drones that can fly beyond the visual line of sight of the operator. They have many potential applications in various industries, such as delivery, surveying, agriculture, inspection, etc.
2033 Scenario
In 2033, the use of drones for commercial and industrial purposes will become ubiquitous. BVLOS drone flights have become commonplace, with drones being used for a wide range of applications, from package delivery to infrastructure inspections.
One of the main factors driving the adoption of BVLOS drones has been the development of advanced sensing and imaging technologies. In the early 2020s, researchers began experimenting with advanced sensors that could enable drones to operate autonomously, even in complex environments. By 2033, these technologies have become widely available, allowing drones to navigate through even the most challenging environments with ease. An interesting example of the trend could be Skydio drones though not fully BVLOS yet.
Another key factor has been the development of advanced communication technologies. In the past, BVLOS drone flights were limited by the range of radio communication, which could make it difficult for drones to communicate with their operators over long distances. However, with the emergence of new satellite communication systems, BVLOS drone flights have become much more reliable and secure. Satellite communication technology is primarily used for providing BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) capabilities for drones.
BVLOS drones can collect more data in fewer deployments and replace traditional long-range aerial data collection platforms such as manned aircraft and satellites.
In addition to these technological advancements, regulatory bodies have also played a crucial role in the development of BVLOS drone operations. By 2033, governments around the world have established clear regulations and guidelines for BVLOS drone flights, allowing businesses and individuals to operate drones safely and efficiently.
As a result of these developments, BVLOS drones have become an essential tool for many businesses and industries. For example, in the agriculture sector, drones are used for crop monitoring and analysis, helping farmers to optimize their yields and reduce waste. In the transportation sector, drones are used for package delivery, allowing companies to make faster and more efficient deliveries.
In 2033, the use of drones for commercial and industrial purposes will become ubiquitous. BVLOS drone flights have become commonplace, with drones being used for a wide range of applications, from package delivery to infrastructure inspections.
Future Trend
Some possible trends in the future scenario of BVLOS drones in 2033 likely are:
- The global autonomous BVLOS drone market is anticipated to rise at a considerable rate during 2023–2028, with the rising adoption of strategies by key players
- The U.S. may introduce a proposed rule for BVLOS operation by the end of 2023, which could boost the competitiveness and innovation of American drone companies
- New possibilities will open up once BVLOS operation is more commonplace, such as long-distance transportation, emergency response, environmental monitoring, etc
- Automatic charging stations similar to electric car charging stations across the highways
BVLOS drones may be used regularly for medical delivery, such as transporting blood samples, vaccines, or organs
Some of the benefits of using BVLOS drones for medical delivery are:
- They can reduce costs compared to traditional methods such as manned aircraft or helicopters
- They can increase speed and efficiency of delivery, especially in remote or hard-to-reach areas
- They can improve access and quality of health care for patients who need urgent or specialized treatment
BVLOS drones are controlled by remote pilots or autonomous systems that use various technologies such as GPS, radar, cameras, sensors, etc. to navigate and avoid obstacles
The Need for Automatic Mobile Charging Stations
Docking and charging stations for BVLOS drones are devices that can house, charge and deploy drones automatically without human intervention. They can enable continuous and remote drone operations for various use cases such as delivery, inspection, mapping and surveillance .
The need for docking and charging stations for BVLOS drones can be assessed from different perspectives:
- From a technical perspective, docking and charging stations can overcome some of the limitations of BVLOS drones such as battery life, weather conditions, communication range and safety. Docking and charging stations can provide power supply, environmental protection, data transmission and collision avoidance for BVLOS drones .
- From a business perspective, docking and charging stations can reduce operational costs, increase efficiency and scalability, enhance customer satisfaction and create new opportunities for drone service providers. Docking and charging stations can eliminate the need for human pilots on site, enable multiple drone missions from a single location, improve service reliability and quality, and expand service coverage .
- From a regulatory perspective, docking and charging stations can facilitate compliance with existing or future rules for BVLOS drone operations. Docking and charging stations can provide evidence of risk mitigation strategies, flight monitoring capabilities, emergency response plans and coordination with other airspace users .
Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM)
UTM stands for Unmanned Traffic Management, which is a system that manages the airspace for multiple drone operations conducted beyond visual line-of-sight, where air traffic services are not provided. UTM involves a cooperative interaction between drone operators and the FAA (or other authorities) to determine and communicate real-time airspace status 3 1
The UTM system that will emerge in 2033 is hard to predict, but some possible features are:
- A standardized framework for UTM across different countries and regions
- A digital platform that connects drone operators, authorities, service providers, and other stakeholders
- A dynamic allocation of airspace based on demand, safety, weather, etc.
- A secure and reliable communication network that supports data exchange and coordination
Possible emergence of 6G
If we assume that 6G technology will be widely available everywhere by 2033, then the following are some important features and stakeholder interests to consider in designing drone corridors:
- Safety: Drone corridors should be designed with advanced collision avoidance systems that leverage the high-speed, low-latency communication capabilities of 6G networks. This could involve equipping drones with advanced sensors and machine learning algorithms that allow them to avoid obstacles and other drones in real-time.
- Connectivity: 6G networks offer higher bandwidth and lower latency than previous generations of wireless networks, enabling drones to communicate more efficiently and reliably. Drone corridors should be designed to take advantage of these capabilities, ensuring that drones have access to high-speed, low-latency communication at all times.
- Navigation: With the improved connectivity and sensing capabilities provided by 6G networks, drone corridors can be designed to allow drones to fly autonomously and safely. This could involve equipping drones with advanced positioning systems, such as GPS and other satellite-based navigation systems, to ensure accurate and reliable navigation.
- Security: 6G networks are expected to provide significantly enhanced security features, including improved encryption and authentication capabilities. Drone corridors should be designed with these capabilities in mind to ensure that drone communications and data are protected from cyber attacks.
- Stakeholder Interests: Designing drone corridors that meet the needs of all stakeholders, including local communities, businesses, and regulatory authorities, is crucial. With the advanced communication capabilities of 6G networks, it may be possible to conduct real-time stakeholder consultations to identify and address concerns.
- Integration with existing infrastructure: With 6G networks providing high-speed, low-latency communication, drone corridors can be designed to integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, such as airports and air traffic control systems. This will ensure the safe and efficient integration of drones with manned aircraft in the airspace.
- Environmental impact: With the advanced sensing and communication capabilities provided by 6G networks, drone corridors can be designed to minimize their environmental impact. This could involve designing flight paths that reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution, as well as avoiding sensitive environmental areas.
Possible Working Model
A possible working model for docking and charging stations for BVLOS drones using UTM and 6G could involve the following steps:
- A customer requests a drone service through an online platform or app.
- A drone service provider assigns a suitable drone from a nearby docking station to perform the service.
- The docking station opens its door or lid to release the drone after checking weather conditions, battery level, flight plan etc.
- The drone flies autonomously to its destination using GPS navigation or other sensors while communicating with a UTM system that manages its flight path along with other drones and aircraft in the same airspace. The UTM system provides real-time information on traffic, weather, airspace restrictions and emergency situations. The UTM system also coordinates with air traffic control and other authorities as needed.
- The drone performs its task such as delivering a package or inspecting an asset while sending real-time data back to the UTM system or directly to the customer. The data transmission is enabled by 6G technology that offers ultra-high speed, low latency, high reliability and massive connectivity. 6G technology also supports advanced features such as holographic communication, edge computing and artificial intelligence.
- The customer verifies the completion of the task through the online platform or app. A smart contract on a blockchain network executes automatically to transfer payment from the customer’s account to the drone service provider’s account based on predefined terms and conditions. The smart contract also records all relevant information about the transaction such as date/time/location/amount etc. on an immutable ledger that provides transparency and trust among all parties involved.
- The drone returns to its original docking station or another available one depending on its battery level or other factors. The docking station closes its door or lid after receiving the drone safely inside. The docking station charges the battery of the drone automatically while waiting for another mission.
The business potential of this model for India could be high if the following conditions are met:
- The demand for drone services is high across various sectors such as e-commerce, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, security and more. This could depend on factors such as customer preferences, affordability, accessibility and availability of drone services.
- The supply of drone service providers is sufficient to meet the demand. This could depend on factors such as investment, innovation, competition and regulation of drone service providers.
- The regulatory environment is supportive of BVLOS drone operations using UTM and 6G. This could depend on factors such as safety standards, airspace management systems, data privacy policies and legal frameworks for drone operations.
- The technological infrastructure is ready for UTM and 6G deployment. This could depend on factors such as network coverage, spectrum allocation, device compatibility and interoperability.
Conclusion
Overall, with 6G technology widely available by 2033, drone corridors can be designed to take advantage of its advanced communication and sensing capabilities, ensuring the safe and efficient integration of drones into the airspace. The emergence of BVLOS drones in 2033 shall bethe result of a combination of technological advancements and regulator y changes, which have enabled drones to become a reliable and safe tool for a wide range of applications.
