DRONE RACING IS THE NEXT STEP

Similarly, innovation resulting from the competition to build the fastest and best drone will benefit more ordinary hobby models over time, according to Nicholas Horbaczewski, the founder of the DRL.

He also believes that the competition will result in a new generation of talented drone pilots who can make themselves useful outside race courses. DRL drones must make very violent turns and rolling motions in the air, so the accelerometer, which normally counteracts minor destabilising motions, has been left out to allow the pilot full control. On the other hand, the drone is very difficult to control. The challenge of drone races make visual inspection with a drone camera at the top of wind turbines and oil rigs very easy for racing pilots. And vital tasks such as rescue gear and emergency supply delivery are increasingly carried out by drone pilots. Racers could be the best of the best.

Although drone racing is still a new phenomenon, scientists from the University of Florida have already paved the (air)way for a brand new sport. The university organised a race in which pilots wore a special helmet, that could control the drones by means of electric brain signals. However, physical remote control still works much better, but if the number of spectators and investments in drone racing continue to grow, the technology will be better and cheaper, so one day, pilots may be competing by the power of thought.