The future lies in artificial intelligence (AI) and Boeing has taken an unassailable lead in the field of transporting heavy loads. It has developed a quadcopter (drone) that can carry a load of nearly 500 pounds, which is roughly equivalent to the weight of a couple of baby elephants. The time taken to develop this autonomous drone was just three months and is an example of how AI is gradually invading the workplaces. The Daily Mail UK reports that these drones can be deployed to shift heavy cargo from one place to another. The load can be slung with the help of suitable moorings like cables.

The size of the drone is 15 ft. long, 18 ft. wide, and 4 ft. in height and it is undergoing flight tests.

The future is bright

According to Boeing, this quadcopter is the first step toward embracing the concept of the autonomous flying craft of the future. Such drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles, will change the face of not only air travel but also transportation of goods by air. The prototype of the drone has eight helicopter-like rotors that provide it with the ability to take off or land vertically. This is a plus point because the loads can be airlifted from its static position.

Commercial airplanes already use Artificial Intelligence in various applications. These are through sophisticated computer systems that have automated key aspects to control flying.

The drone developed by Boeing has broadened the scope to cover new fields like autonomous cargo delivery, logistics, and other transportation applications.

AI will control

Any automation translates into artificial intelligence and it has proved its worth in the field of space exploration. NASA’s Curiosity rover is the best example.

It has been there on the distant planet for more than five years and is carrying out assigned tasks based on the programs designed by NASA. Those who design programs of this nature have to take care of every possible eventuality so that it ensures trouble-free operation.

Obviously, such a method of delivery is more convenient compared to movement by conventional means like road and water.

It is only natural that the quadcopters of Boeing will follow this aerial route to deliver heavy-duty cargo and set a new trend.

CNBC reported about a pizza delivered by a drone to a New Zealand couple in November 2016. The time lapse between placing the order and its delivery was five minutes to travel a distance of nearly 20 miles because it did not face hurdles of traffic congestion and traffic lights.
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