What do the possibility of the FAA overriding state and local laws about drones being a hot issue in the news along with weekly (and sometimes daily) advances in robotics and drone technologies mean for business leaders? First, that there’s no way to avoid seeing how much drones and robots are changing the face of business generally. And second, that even industries which remain mostly untouched by these technologies should keep pace with thought leadership on these important subjects.
We asked some of our top clients if they’d be open to using drones, robots or other forms of machine technology for delivery, improving services or carrying out simple tasks in their businesses. We also asked them how big of an impact they believe these technologies will have in their industry within the next five years. Here’s what they told us.
Drone and robot technologies have a multitude of potential applications
Although the use of drones for product delivery is what makes the news, business leaders are thinking outside the box when it comes to these kinds of technologies. Patrick Suh, Director of Marketing for ExpoMarketing, provides several excellent examples of ways that companies can use drone technologies to their advantage without worrying about larger privacy concerns and risks within the confines of a city, for example.
Q:Would you be open to using drones, robots or other forms of machine technology for delivery, improving services, or carrying out simple tasks in your business?
A:We have several clients that are not able to visit our facility and we offer a virtual tour video of their trade show booth when it’s staged for their approval. We’re always looking for ways to improve our customer experience and one idea we started testing out was utilizing a drone. What we discovered was that the drone was able to capture many different angles that we normally did not have access to and it also cut down on the set up time as we didn’t have to climb ladders to get different views of the booth.
We’re always looking for ways to be on the cutting edge of technology because our clients are always looking to us to not only use the technology but to also guide them on it. We’re definitely open to using robots whether it’s to make us more efficient or finding ways to push the creative boundaries.
Q:How big of an impact do you believe these technologies will have in your industry within the next five years?
A:The trade show industry is already seeing a big impact because of the growing number of drone-related companies exhibiting at shows like the Consumer Electronics Show®. There are also specific rules and regulations around where drones can fly around on the trade show floor.
When it comes to drone delivery, convenience isn’t the only benefit
Much of the debate surrounding drone delivery of consumer goods concerns efficiency, cost, and consumer convenience. However, Robert Kirstein of Stratus Engineering points out that many of his customers are purchasing products with overnight delivery based on urgent need. Drone delivery and related technological solutions have the potential to address far more serious concerns than those typically discussed in the media.
Q:Would you be open to using drones, robots or other forms of machine technology for delivery, improving services or carrying out simple tasks in your business?
A:Drone delivery technology would be a huge benefit to customers that purchase our EZ-Tap, EZ-Tap Pro, and Versa-Tap products. About half of our customers order these RS232 and RS422/RS485 serial analyzers with overnight shipping because they have an urgent need to solve a specific problem. Drone technology would potentially provide same day delivery, which would be a big advantage.
Drones, robots and machinery can’t replace everything
While there are many benefits to technological advances, it’s important to remember that robots and drones are only capable of so much. Jill Darrah, Director of Marketing for Changes Plastic Surgery, takes a closer look at why surgeons won’t be replaced by robots anytime soon, but can be beneficial in other ways.
Q:How big of an impact do you believe these technologies will have in your industry within the next five years?
A:Technological advancements such as drones and robots have yet to find their place in the practice of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Skilled hands, keen eyes, aesthetic sensibilities and astute problem-solving separate the surgeon from machine, and at least for the time being, the surgeon is irreplaceable. However, 3D printing technology is proving a useful tool for recreating bone from crushing injuries and is currently used in some complex reconstructive cases.
These answers allow us to see that regardless of whether drones or robots will potentially become fully integrated into a business’ daily operations or not, they will be able to offer multiple benefits that will impact not just how a business operates, but how a consumer will be able to experience a product or service. And whether the impact occurs in one year, five years or more, only time and implementation of these technological advances will be able to show us how far businesses can advance to better serve their clientele and community at large.
