Using AI-Powered Drones in Traditional Industries

🚁📡 Connected Drones Meet AI-on-RAN: Unlocking Intelligent, Secure, and Scalable UAV Operations As the skies grow more connected, so too must the intelligence of our networks. Enter Connected Drones powered by AI-on-RAN—a cutting-edge use case that combines Software Defined Radio (SDR), Cognitive Radio (CR), and real-time AI/ML analytics at the edge of the telecom network. SDR is a flexible radio technology that replaces fixed RF components with reconfigurable software, allowing a single radio system to operate across multiple frequencies, waveforms, and protocols. CR builds on this by adding real-time environmental awareness. Together, it forms the nervous system of a truly adaptive UAV, enabling: ✔️ Real-time spectrum sensing ✔️ Dynamic spectrum access ✔️ Modulation and power control on the fly ✔️ Proactive response to signal degradation or jamming 🔐 Security First: Why this matters for drone missions Drones face growing risks from jamming, spoofing, RF congestion, and adversarial interference—especially in defense, critical infrastructure, and high-value logistics. By combining SDR/CR on the drone with AI-powered spectrum analysis in the AI-RAN, drones gain resilience against jamming. 🧠 AI-on-RAN in Action The real magic happens when SDR/CR-enabled drones interface with AI-RAN: The drone transmits real-time RF spectrum data (e.g., spectrograms, RSSI, interference signatures). The AI-RAN runs convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to: • Detect and classify interference • Predict spectrum availability • Recommend optimal channel/power/modulation settings Optimized control signals are then sent back to the drone—ensuring always-on, always-optimal connectivity. All of this happens in milliseconds, thanks to AI inference manager running at the network edge, exemplifying the AI-on-RAN paradigm: 🌾 Real-world use case: Smart Farming In agriculture, drones survey crop health, manage irrigation, and detect pests over vast fields. But rural areas often lack uniform 5G coverage—and radio interference from weather, terrain, or equipment can break the link. AI-on-RAN ensures: 📸 Reliable HD video/data streaming from drone to edge 🌐 Seamless transitions across spectrum and coverage zones 🛰️ Secure telemetry even in spectrum-polluted regions 📊 Predictive optimization of spectrum usage—reducing retries and boosting mission efficiency 🚀 The future of UAV connectivity is autonomous, adaptive, and AI-driven. Connected Drones as an AI-on-RAN use case not only improve coverage, reliability, and power efficiency—they redefine how drones interact with the network, bringing intelligence to the air, the edge, and beyond. 🔗 Learn more via the AI-RAN Alliance: https://ai-ran.org And don't miss the first Call for Proposal opportunity from the AI-RAN Alliance: https://lnkd.in/eF9qUnwG #AIonRAN #ConnectedDrone #SDR #CognitiveRadio #DroneSecurity #SmartFarming #AI4RAN #AIonEdge #5G #6G #UAVInnovation

I recently shared my thoughts in GTIA - Global Technology Industry Association’s "IoT Predictions and Trends to Watch in 2025" on how drones, connected technology, and automation will reshape industries. Here are a few key areas where I see major changes ahead: 📡 The Rise of BVLOS Operations Through IoT Integration “The combination of IoT, AI and 5G technology will propel beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations to the forefront of commercial applications by 2025. IoT sensors embedded in drones will provide real-time situational awareness, allowing for autonomous flight over extended distances and in challenging environments like densely populated areas or remote locations. These advancements will unlock use cases such as last-mile delivery, large-scale agricultural monitoring and precision inspections for industrial sites. For MSPs and vendors, BVLOS represents a new frontier for IoT innovation, offering significant opportunities to expand service portfolios and address complex customer needs.” 🏢 Drones as Cornerstones of Smart Infrastructure Monitoring “By 2025, drones will become an integral part of smart infrastructure systems, leveraging IoT technology to deliver real-time insights into the health of critical assets. Drones will be equipped with advanced IoT sensors to detect structural damage, thermal irregularities or environmental changes in assets like bridges, roads and buildings. With edge computing capabilities, drones will analyze and relay actionable data directly to city planners and maintenance teams, enabling faster responses to infrastructure issues. This shift will reduce costly delays in inspections, improve public safety and extend asset lifespans, positioning drones as a key player in the future of urban planning.” 🖥️ Drone-Powered Digital Twins Become Industry Standard “As digital twin technology matures, drones will emerge as essential tools for building and maintaining accurate, up-to-date digital replicas of physical assets. By 2025, industries like real estate, manufacturing, and construction will use drones equipped with IoT sensors and high-resolution imaging to scan structures, enabling dynamic updates to digital twins. These real-time updates will enhance predictive modeling, streamline operations and improve risk management. For instance, construction managers can visualize progress on projects, identify discrepancies and optimize resource allocation, all powered by drone data. The synergy of drones and IoT will redefine how digital twins are created and maintained.” The intersection of drones and IoT is unlocking new ways to improve efficiency, safety, and decision-making. What are you seeing on the horizon for 2025? Read the full GTIA article here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ggrKCZSX #IoT #Drones #BVLOS #DigitalTwins #SmartInfrastructure #2025Trends #GTIA #Technology #Innovation #TechNews #Chicago #Infrastructure #TechnologyTrends

₹0 fuel cost, 100% efficiency – How drones are cutting delivery expenses while going green? A few years ago, if someone told me drones would deliver groceries, medicines, and even fresh apples in minutes, I would’ve laughed. But after this podcast things changed entirely for me. I recently spoke with Ankit Kumar, Founder of Skye Air Mobility, in my latest podcast, and what they’re building is mind-blowing. They’ve turned science fiction into reality, using AI-powered drones to solve one of India's biggest problems—slow and inefficient logistics. Here’s how I Leveled Up and you can too : ➡Speed wins always. Skye Air’s drones have slashed delivery times from hours to minutes. Whether it’s transporting farm produce, electronics, or urgent medical supplies, their drones get the job done faster and more efficiently. A great example? Farmers in Himachal Pradesh now transport fresh apples in just 6 minutes—a process that used to take 6 hours. ➡AI & Automation are changing logistics Their drones aren’t just flying—they’re thinking. AI enables them to autonomously navigate obstacles, optimize routes in real-time, and operate beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS). This ensures deliveries are not just fast but also safe and highly efficient. ➡Owning infrastructure = Competitive edge Unlike companies that depend on third-party logistics, Skye Air built its own Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system. This gives them: ✅ Faster scaling with complete operational control ✅ Lower costs by reducing dependence on external networks ✅ Full compliance with aviation regulations for seamless operations ➡Government support is fueling growth With India actively promoting drone-friendly policies, subsidies for agriculture, and BVLOS approvals, startups like Skye Air are scaling at an incredible pace. The future of drone logistics in India looks stronger than ever. We also spoke about :  ✅ AI-driven logistics will dominate the future ✅ Owning your tech = better control & higher margins ✅ Drones aren’t coming—they’re already here. Skye Air isn’t just improving deliveries—they’re redefining the future of logistics in India. Watch the full episode: https://lnkd.in/dyANcEd9 Would you trust a drone to deliver your next order? Drop your thoughts below! #DroneDelivery #LogisticsInnovation #AI #StartupIndia #Hyperlocal #LevelUpPodcast

China recently pulled off a dazzling display with more than 10,000 drones lighting up the night sky - an impressive feat on its own. Now, consider the potential if these flying formations were equipped with computer vision - a branch of AI enabling machines to understand images or video in real time. For drones, that means recognizing objects, interpreting surroundings, and making instant decisions without waiting for human input. Where could this lead? - Public Safety: Large events or bustling city centers could be monitored more efficiently, with drones helping to spot emerging risks or coordinate emergency responses. - Environmental Stewardship: Drones might track wildlife movements, gauge pollution levels, or map deforestation, providing insights to support conservation efforts. - Urban Planning: From traffic flow analysis to infrastructure checks, drones could handle time-consuming tasks more precisely and safely than human crews. While these ideas are exciting, they also raise questions about privacy, safety, and regulatory frameworks. Balancing innovation with responsible deployment will be crucial as we move toward a future where AI-powered drones become an integral part of our daily lives. What do you think is the most significant benefit - or challenge - of harnessing computer vision to guide drone technology? #innovation #technology #future #management #startups

When we think about AI, the headlines are often dominated by the U.S. and China racing to build more powerful models. But some of the most meaningful AI innovations are happening elsewhere - on farms, in fields, and in the hands of smallholder farmers. Take Africa, for example. Farmers face unpredictable weather, pests, and soil challenges. AI-powered tools, like drone diagnostics, precision irrigation, and smart soil sensors, are transforming how they work. These aren’t abstract theories; they’re real solutions helping to increase food security, reduce waste, and tackle climate change. The future of farming is high-tech, but its biggest impact might come in places we don’t always expect. #AI #Agriculture #FoodSecurity #Innovation #Sustainability Source - https://lnkd.in/gDvN-X7F