Drone technology has advanced significantly in recent years. New applications are being found for drone technology every year. Some are talking about using a drone to replace humans for security. Here are a few points to consider when it comes to using drones to replace human security guards.
Monitoring and Surveillance Capabilities
One of the ways a drone might replace a human security guard is by performing regular monitoring and surveillance. A flying drone is capable of hovering and moving quietly all around a property for hours without getting tired. The device can also be fitted with a variety of different sensors for detecting heat or other signatures not visible to the human eye. This can greatly increase the ability to detect intruders or environmental hazards like fires.
Limited Response Options
A major disadvantage that comes with using drones is the limited response capabilities. A drone simply cannot do much once a threat or intruder is detected. Fitting weapons on a drone is not really an option since it is not legal outside of the military. A drone can simply report what is happening. Human security guards are capable of thinking fast, subduing intruders or taking any other appropriate actions.
Better Mobility
A drone has much better mobility than a human security guard does. A flying drone is capable of hovering, rising up dozens of feet into the air and maneuvering over any type of terrain. A drone can fly through narrow spaces. Some are even capable of moving much faster than a human can. This could allow drones to replace human guards in industrial and hazardous environments.
Human Senses Are Sometimes More Effective
A real issue that comes with using a drone as a sole means of security is that human senses are often more effective than a simple camera. Human security guards are capable of assessing a variety of sensory information quickly to determine whether something is wrong or whether someone is a threat. Humans can use hearing, vision and tactile sensations to gain a level of awareness of the environment that is not possible with a drone. Human guards are superior especially in crowded settings.
Acting as a Deterrent
Something to consider is that a large number of people do not fully understand drone technology. A way that a drone could replace a human security guard is by acting as a deterrent. Someone who sees a drone patrolling a property might be immediately deterred from committing a crime or trespassing because the capabilities of the technology are not fully known. This can stop crime before it occurs.
Human Operators Are Still Needed
The final reality about why a drone might never replace a human security guard is that someone needs to operate the device. Drones are not fully automated at the moment. The technology to have a fully autonomous drone will not be available for some time. Additionally, there would be major liability issues with an autonomous flying device. There will always be a need for a human to be monitoring and controlling any drone.
Photo Credits:
www.dronemedia.com
www.elecfreaks.com
http://media2.govtech.com/images/770*1000/quadcopter+drone.jpg