These versatile machines already have advanced technologies, one of the most transformative being Artificial Intelligence (AI), which can process large amounts of data, make intelligent decisions and operate autonomously, thus expanding the role of drones beyond simple ones. remote controlled aircraft.

Types of drones

Modern drones are manufactured in various shapes and sizes, each adapted to specific purposes. Some of the most common types are:

1. Fixed-wing drones: They look like traditional airplanes and are known for their resistance and long-range capability.
2. Multirotor drones: They are the most common consumer drones, known for their stability, agility and ability to take off and land vertically (VTOL, by its acronym in English).
3. Hybrid drones: They combine the characteristics of fixed-wing and multi-rotor drones, and offer versatility for various tasks.

The convergence of AI and drones

Advantages of combining AI and drones. The integration of AI in drones offers numerous advantages:

• Greater autonomy: AI algorithms allow drones to operate autonomously, which reduces the need for constant human intervention.
• Improved data processing: Drones equipped with AI can process and analyze data in real time, making them more effective for applications such as surveillance and control.
• Adaptive behavior: AI allows drones to adapt to changing conditions and scenarios, making them versatile for various tasks.
• Greater security: AI helps drones to detect and avoid obstacles, with the consequent reduction of the risk of collisions and accidents.
• Data processing in real time: One of the main characteristics of drones with AI is their ability to process data in real time. This is essential for applications such as search and rescue missions, in which it is essential to make quick decisions. 

Uses of drones with artificial intelligence

• Precision agriculture and livestock. Drones powered by AI have revolutionized the agricultural sector by making precision agriculture possible, a discipline that monitors the health of crops, detects diseases, optimizes irrigation and administers fertilizers with extraordinary precision. Artificial vision and automatic learning algorithms analyze multispectral images to provide farmers with processable data that ultimately increases crop yield and reduces resource waste.
• Vigilance and security. In the field of surveillance and security, drones equipped with artificial intelligence offer unprecedented capabilities. They are able to monitor large areas, detect criminal activities and track people or vehicles in real time, while facial recognition and object detection algorithms improve their ability to identify potential threats. Therefore, more and more, security forces and private security companies are using drones to improve their control of the situation.
• Logistics and delivery. For "last mile" deliveries, the giants of electronic commerce and logistics companies have begun to use drones equipped with artificial intelligence capable of navigating complex urban environments, avoiding obstacles and delivering packages to specific locations with great precision. Automatic learning algorithms optimize delivery routes and schedules, making the process efficient and profitable.
• Disaster management and search and rescue. Drones equipped with AI play a crucial role in disaster management and search and rescue operations. They can quickly assess disaster-affected areas, locate survivors and provide real-time updates to immediate response teams, while thermal imaging and machine learning algorithms allow them to detect heat signatures, increasing the chances of finding them.
• Environmental surveillance. Scientists specializing in the environment use drones equipped with artificial intelligence to monitor ecosystems, track wildlife and evaluate the impact of climate change. These drones collect data on the quality of the air and water and the health of the vegetation, which facilitates conservation efforts. For their part, the automatic learning models analyze the collected data to identify trends and patterns.

Ethical problems and considerations

• Protection of the right to privacy. Drones equipped with artificial intelligence used for surveillance pose privacy issues, as their powerful cameras and facial recognition technology can intrude on people's private lives, which is where controversies arise about the balance between security and personal freedom. Normative frameworks must address these issues to protect civil liberties.
• Normative and legal remedies. The integration of AI in drones raises regulatory and legal challenges. Governments around the world strive to establish standards that regulate drone operations, such as air space regulations, certification requirements and data protection laws. It is still a complex challenge to ensure a safe and responsible use of drones while promoting innovation. With the advancement of AI algorithms and hardware, such as faster processors and more efficient sensors, drones will be able to perform even more complex tasks.
• Security and protection. Drones equipped with artificial intelligence must be protected against piracy and criminal attacks. As drones become more autonomous and interconnected, they become potential targets of cyberthreats, so guaranteeing the security of data transmission and control systems is fundamental to avoid unauthorized access or illegal use.
• Ethical use of AI in drones. Ethical considerations go beyond the protection of privacy and security. The questions about the ethical use of drones with AI in military, police and surveillance operations require an exhaustive reflection, so the establishment of guidelines and ethical frameworks for the use of drones is essential to avoid their illicit use and protect rights humans.