Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for the Future: Classification, Challenges, and Opportunities

Abstract

The world is moving very fast as Industry 4.0 has changed the way we live our daily lives. Researchers and strategists continue daily to explore technological innovations linked with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics to support humans. The new technology no doubt will boost utilisation of resources and improve operations in diverse areas ranging from agriculture, health, military, oil and gas, transportation, big-box facilities, and fast-food services, thereby optimising processes and making life better and much more comfortable for humans. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been identified as a special robotic system capable of meeting human needs if effectively programmed. This research is focused on the exposition of the diverse areas of application of UAV in the twenty-first century. Application of UAV in Agriculture, health, military, security, and others have been detailed. The challenges and future opportunities of UAVs have equally been identified. One of the major issues of concern is the endurance problem of UAV systems and issues on safety. Suggestions have been made on possible ways to address such issues.