For a few years now, Blockchain technology has been creating a lot of hype it has even overcome that associated with the best personal loan rates. Strongly associated with cryptocurrency trading, it is incredibly well-known for its security purposes. Blockchain has exponentially improved the prevention of security breaches in the financial sector as well as for other industries as well.
Blockchain technology is being continuously explored for more uses. Latest researches also include a combination of Blockchain and drone technology. In this article, you’ll learn what is Blockchain technology and how it can be useful for drones.
Blockchain Technology Explained
In simpler words, Blockchain helps with the distribution of digital information but prevents the risk of it being copied. Since the technology was initially developed for digital currency Bitcoin, it is often explained as an incorruptible ledger of economic transactions. However, with the discovery of further uses, Blockchain ledge can be used to record any data that is of value and needs to be secured.
Information that is recorded over a Blockchain system exists of a shared database. And this database can be verified. The database does not exist in a single location. The records are public and anyone on the internet can verify the information. The benefit is that there is no centralized version of the information so it can’t be breached by a hacker or malware.
What is Drone Technology?
Before we move ahead to explain the new drone technology that runs on Blockchain, it is feasible to give an idea of what drone technology actually is.
Drones are basically unmanned aircraft. They are often referred to as unmanned aerial vehicle or UAVs in more technical terms. If you really want to break down the explanation, they can be taken as flying robots.
Over the years, the drone technology has evolved. Now we have drones in different styles and sizes that can perform varying tasks and functions. While most drones are remotely controlled, some can have defined flight plans controlled by software embedded in their systems. These often work in combination with sensors and GPS. Nowadays, we can witness drone technology in multiple industries along with recreational use.
What is a Blockchain Drone?
The drone Blockchain technology is the combination of two powerful systems. The uses of drones are becoming quite widespread and the commercial drone ecosystem could benefit from the addition of Blockchain. This combination of systems could provide improved ability, scalability, and flexibility in order to regulate the drone services.
Uses of a Blockchain-Powered Drone
Here is how the drone Blockchain technology could benefit the commercial industries:
Better Security for Drones
Cryptography could be introduced in new drone technology. This will be useful when drones are carrying sensitive information and a secure communication system is required. Depending on the security objectives of varying industries, the drones could be optimized with Blockchain to support confidential and authenticated communication among themselves. To make this simpler to understand, consider the package delivery service. A Blockchain-powered drone, in this case, will be able to log information like time, date, location, etc. And these records will be available for access to authenticated users or other entities involved.
Traffic Control
Using Blockchain, drones could be improved to prevent crashing into obstacles and entering prohibited areas. This is going to be immensely helpful in situations where varying countries are concerned about national security but still required to work within a connected airspace.
Identity Management
Similar to national security, the misuse of drone technology is also an issue. Many countries have banned the use of drones given the misuse and violation of privacy. On the other hand, a Blockchain-powered drone could resolve this by providing a remote identification system. This will allow the public and other users interested in a drone flight to report an identifier number to the authorities. The authorities, in turn, will be able to investigate the issue without breaching the privacy of the operator.
Examples of Drone Blockchain from the Real World
The drone Blockchain technology is already under development for application in the real world. A few examples are listed below:
The Blockchain that is used for the cryptocurrency Ethereum will be used to create a distributed sky. This will help develop a global air traffic control system
MOTA is a company interested in the decentralization of drones. They believe that the widespread use of drones has led to too many in the airspace at a given time. So if they ever crash, the data should be available for public access. They have bought rights to the Lilly drone, which was a crowdfunded project that was closed due to the failure of production
Walmart is seeking to use the drone Blockchain technology to optimize their logistics related to package deliveries. They even have a patent that describes the process of a hypothetical delivery based on this system
Aero Token, which is startup ICO, believes in allowing of drones legally at lower altitudes over a private land. Of course, this won’t be done without permission and the owner of the land will be able to charge a fee for giving permitting the drone. This resolves the issue of complaints from landowners who deny the allowance of a drone flight in case there is an accident. Although, it will be a bit costly for drone users
Summary
The combination of drones and Blockchain technology is quite feasible in the future. Both technologies are being separately explored and developed for different commercial sectors. Therefore, it can be safely assumed that together, they will have even more benefits for the varying purposes. As it is clear from the information in this article, the drone Blockchain technology does not only have the potential to increase the efficiency of certain functions but can resolve many of the existing problems with drones.
