The Increasing Role of Drones in Industry
This article was originally published in the January 2026 issue of Jetstream.
Most people first became aware of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones when they saw a hobbyist using one at a local park. The technology has come a long way since then.
Today, drones provide a powerful new platform for data collection, safety monitoring and operational efficiency.
They are now essential tools in many commercial industries, offering new ways to manage risk, reduce costs and protect
human lives.
A New Standard in Precision Agriculture
The image of a low-flying aircraft spraying a fine mist over fields has long defined aerial crop management. For decades, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters were the only tools for large-scale application of fertilisers, pesticides and other treatments. This established method is now being complemented by precision agriculture drones.
While traditional aircraft remain the standard for covering vast, uniform fields, drones offer unmatched advantages in precision and cost.
- Pinpoint accuracy. Leveraging high-precision GPS and mapping software, drones can fly just feet above a crop canopy to apply treatments only where needed. This granular approach minimises chemical drift and can reduce overall chemical use.
- Cost-effectiveness. A professional drone system can be acquired for a cost far below that of a manned aircraft. With no fossil fuel costs and simpler maintenance, their operational costs are also dramatically lower.
- Enhanced safety. Remote operation significantly limits human exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
For modern farmers, the use of drone technology in farming allows for a hybrid approach. They can use large aircraft for bulk coverage and deploy drones for spot-spraying, managing irregular fields and monitoring crop health with on-board sensors.
Did You Know? Agriculture
Drones can treat crops with remarkable precision, targeting only the spots that actually need attention. This reduces chemical use and keeps operators safely on the ground. Many farms now pair drones with traditional aircraft for a smarter hybrid approach.
Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Energy
Some of the most significant impacts of drone technology are found in the inspection of critical infrastructure. The energy, utility and transportation sectors rely on massive, complex assets that are often remote, dangerous or impossible for humans to inspect safely. Drones are now the tool of choice for asset management.
Operators use high-resolution visual and thermal cameras to inspect power lines, wind turbines, bridges and pipelines.
This allows inspectors to identify corrosion, cracks, heat anomalies or other defects from a safe distance on the ground. This proactive approach not only keeps inspectors out of harm’s way but also helps prevent catastrophic failures, reduce service downtime and extend the life of essential public assets.
Did You Know? Infrastructure & Energy
Inspectors are using drones to examine power lines, turbines, bridges, and pipelines without ever climbing or entering hazardous zones. High-resolution and thermal imaging catch issues early, helping avoid outages and costly failures. It’s quickly becoming the preferred method for monitoring massive public assets.
The New Blueprint for Construction and Surveying
On any active construction site, managing risk, controlling budgets and maintaining schedules are top priorities.
Drones have become a transformative tool for project managers and surveyors by providing a fast and accurate “eye in the sky.”
Before work begins, drones equipped with lidar (light detection and ranging) can conduct topographic surveys and create 3D models of a job site in a fraction of the time of traditional ground crews. Once construction is underway, regular drone flights can monitor progress, compare the build to digital blueprints and ensure safety compliance on scaffolding and roofs. This data stream is invaluable, allowing teams to identify potential problems and create a precise visual record of the entire project lifecycle.
Did You Know? Construction
Drones can map a job site, track progress, and spot potential issues long before they become expensive delays. They also generate 3D models that help teams check real-world work against digital plans. This aerial data gives project managers a clearer, faster view of what’s happening on the ground.
Enhancing Emergency and Public Safety Response
In life-or-death situations, rapid access to accurate information is critical. Drones can provide that access, giving emergency services teams data that was previously unavailable. For instance, in firefighting, a drone with a thermal camera can circle a burning building and provide a bird’s-eye view. The sensor information allows firefighters to identify hotspots and deploy resources accordingly. It also helps accelerate the response while reducing risks to first responders.
In search and rescue operations, a drone can cover miles of difficult terrain far faster than a ground team, using thermal imaging to find a missing person.
They are also critical in the aftermath of a natural disaster, like a hurricane or flood, providing rapid damage assessments of affected areas so officials can prioritise response and direct aid to where it is needed most.
Did You Know? Emergency Response
Emergency crews use drones to see through smoke, navigate difficult terrain, and get crucial information before sending responders into danger. Thermal imaging helps locate people or hotspots in seconds. After disasters, drones provide a rapid overview so aid reaches the right areas faster.
The Future: A Regulated, Autonomous Sky
Across all these industries, the next great leap is Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. Regulations have historically required pilots to keep their drones within direct line of sight. The FAA’s proposed Part 108 regulations will change that, enabling routine BVLOS flights.
This shift will unlock the potential for fully autonomous drone fleets operated by a single remote pilot, enabling drones to cover vast stretches of farmland, inspect hundreds of miles of pipeline or patrol large areas for public safety.
Partnering With Professional Operators
The choice to use drones, whether in agriculture, construction or infrastructure, depends on the scale and needs of the operation. As this technology becomes more integrated into daily business, operators looking for insurance protection will need to demonstrate thorough competency in:
- The regulatory environment. This includes FAA Parts 107 (Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems), 137 (Dispensing Chemicals and Agricultural Products) and the emerging Part 108 (UAS Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations).
- The operational environment. This requires primary and recurrent ground and flight training on the specific UAS equipment being used.
The rise of drone technology does not signal the end of traditional methods for inspections and other critical tasks. Instead, it marks the beginning of a more integrated, intelligent and productive approach to industrial operations.