FEATURE | PHYSICAL AI: BRIDGING THE DIGITAL AND PHYSICAL WORLDS
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Expanding Frontiers for AI-Powered Drones
Drones are transforming industries by making operations more efficient, cost-effective, and data-driven. In agriculture, AI-powered drones are revolutionising precision farming by using multispectral imaging to monitor crop health, detect diseases early, and optimise irrigation. Automated spraying reduces chemical use while increasing yields, helping farmers cut costs and improve sustainability. The ability to gather real-time data enables smarter decision-making, leading to higher productivity and better resource management.
In logistics, drones are reshaping last-mile delivery by bypassing traffic and reaching remote areas quickly. Companies like Amazon, UPS, and Zipline are already testing drone deliveries for medical supplies and e-commerce, significantly reducing delivery times. Drones are also improving warehouse management by conducting automated inventory checks, reducing labour costs, and increasing efficiency. However, regulatory challenges and airspace restrictions remain hurdles to widespread adoption.
▴ An agricultural drone sprays pesticides on crops in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan
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