Drone Technology Extends the Reach of Mobile IoT

Unmanned aerial vehicles—commonly known as drones—have reshaped the aviation landscape, turning the Wright brothers’ vision of manned flight into a reality for pilotless aircraft. Drones now serve a spectrum of purposes, from strategic military operations to hobbyist experiments, and increasingly as critical assets in commercial and industrial settings.

Integrating Drones into Mobile IoT Networks

Whether a foot‑long quadcopter or a small airplane‑sized platform, drones can act as mobile Internet of Things (IoT) endpoints. They extend network coverage beyond static infrastructure, enabling edge‑computing tasks that were previously limited by physical reach. As enterprise processes migrate to the network edge, drones provide a versatile, on‑demand data collection solution.

"Drones are very much IoT devices and there’s a lot of overlap in terms of technology and customers," said Adam Bry, CEO of Skydio, a leading U.S. drone hardware and software developer.

In an IoT environment, a drone can function as a mobile sensor, capturing environmental data and relaying it to cloud analytics or on‑premise edge servers. They can also perform remote inspections, reducing the need for hazardous human presence and allowing maintenance tasks—such as checking tower‑mounted sensors—via autonomous flight paths.

Market Growth and Adoption Trends

Gartner projected that global shipments of enterprise drones in 2020 reached 526,000 units—up 50% from 2019—and forecasted 1.3 million units by 2023. The acceleration is driven by mature technology and the growing industrial appetite for drone solutions.

DroneAnalyst’s David Benowitz noted a surge in industrial use over the past few years, attributing this to increased technology maturity and business adoption.

A survey by DroneDeploy of 140 customers revealed that 53% planned to increase drone spending in 2020, with less than 5% anticipating a reduction. The report, “State of the Drone Market 2020: Scale and Growth,” highlights robust demand for drone software and hardware.

Key Industries Leveraging Drones

Construction tops the list of drone users, followed by fire monitoring, insurance, and law enforcement—each expected to double usage in the coming years. A Drone Industry Insights survey found that 35% of service providers and 18% of business users prioritize inspection/maintenance, while mapping, surveying, and photography also rank highly.

Dr. Bry highlighted the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s use of Skydio drones to inspect bridge undersides—a safer, cost‑effective alternative to traditional “snooper trucks.”

Drone Payloads and Data Collection

Essential drone components include GPS navigation, Wi‑Fi or LTE radios, and imaging systems—ranging from standard cameras to infrared and moisture sensors. Real‑time image processing allows drones to function as immediate data‑gathering nodes within IoT ecosystems.

Beyond data capture, drones are exploring delivery applications, exemplified by Amazon’s drone delivery trials.

Implementation Considerations

Two software layers are critical: the flight‑control firmware that keeps the drone airborne and connects to operators, and the application layer that executes specific tasks. Because standards are still evolving, application software often requires customization to match a manufacturer’s operating system. Skydio, for example, offers its own apps like Skydio 3D Scan while partnering with third‑party developers.

Data format compatibility is another factor; integration may be needed to align drone‑generated data with existing analytics pipelines. Most manufacturers provide SDKs that function as APIs for app development.

Communication methods vary—most drones use proprietary Wi‑Fi variants or LTE broadband, the latter extending operational range via embedded SIMs. Future trends point to LTE and 5G as essential for expansive, autonomous missions.

Regulatory constraints remain: the FAA limits beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight flight, operations over people, and night missions without waivers. Battery life also limits mission duration, though advances in battery technology and solar‑powered solutions like xSun’s solar‑cell drones are mitigating these constraints.

Cost and Value Proposition

Commercial drones typically cost between $1,000 and $2,000, depending on application complexity. Industrial models may reach several thousand dollars but still remain far cheaper than manned aircraft alternatives. For most enterprises, drones represent a cost‑effective addition to IoT and IIoT infrastructures.

"The majority of purchases are in the $1,000–$2,000 range," Benowitz added, underscoring their affordability for businesses seeking rapid IoT expansion.