Seeking soaring profits in drones: Front & Center
Amazon.com, in its relentless pursuit of faster delivery, may in the not-too-distant future turn to drones to drop copies of “50 Shades of Grey” on customers’ doorsteps.
Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos‘ tantalizing announcement only brought to fore the myriad nonmilitary uses of drones for which the sky’s the limit — or at least a projected $89 billion market over the next decade — for cashing in on commercial applications. In today’s Front & Center, Frank DiBello, president of Space Florida, discusses efforts to position Florida as a leader in an industry poised to take flight in 2015.
Q: Is it realistic to believe that, as Bezos says, drones could be delivering packages to homes in a few years?
A: The FAA developed a road map for commercial unmanned aerial system integration. This road map states that, for the next several years (at a minimum), the FAA will continue to limit UAS access to U.S. airspace on a case-by-case basis. This access will become more widespread over time, however, so it is possible that the Amazon vision could become a reality eventually.
Q: What other commercial uses do you envision for drones?
A: There are many uses for UAS technology that can greatly benefit mankind. These range from agricultural monitoring, brush-fire detection and weather-pattern analysis to border patrol, search and rescue and disaster relief, just to name a few.
It’s important to think outside the box, too, when we think of uses for UAS. Similar to the Amazon vision, UAS technology could be used to deliver medical supplies and equipment to remote areas. It could also be used to locate lost animals and even stranded hikers. The positive applications are truly limitless.
Q: What role could Florida play in the expanding use of drones for commercial purposes?
A: On Feb. 14, the FAA announced its intent to develop six unmanned aerial systems research and test sites around the country — an initial step toward assimilation of commercial UAS technology into our nation’s skies by late 2015. Space Florida is leading Florida’s bid to become one of those sites. Being selected would position Florida as a leader in the commercial UAS industry.
Space Florida is also empowered with unique capabilities to provide support to growing aerospace-related industries — including those tied to UAS. This means we can offer aggressive financial incentives and support services that will attract and retain UAS-related companies to our state, and allow them to grow. In this sense, Florida can play a significant role in expanding the UAS market.
Q: What’s the potential gain for Florida’s economy if drones take off for commercial uses?
A: According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, unmanned systems will be an $89 billion industry over the next decade. Florida is ranked fourth in the nation in terms of its ability to achieve the most economic benefit from UAS. The forecasted benefit to Florida’s economy starts at $632 million, creating an estimated 3,251 jobs in the next three years alone.
Florida already has a thriving aviation and aerospace sector. According to Enterprise Florida, Florida is ranked second in the country, with more than 2,000 aviation and aerospace companies employing some 83,200 workers. Many of these companies have the capability to manufacture UAS sensors, communications and support equipment, conduct UAS training, UAS logistic support, and provide UAS safety certification and operations.
Q: Should Floridians be worried about privacy concerns and safety hazards created by UAS, such as “spoofing” — hacking and rerouting GPS signals guiding drones?
A: It is important to remember that the FAA will be regulating UAS technology. Strict safety and privacy guidelines for commercial UAS operation will be enforced with the same high standards the agency now uses for military UAS [purposes].
