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Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been one of the biggest talking points in the world of technology over the past two years.
This is unlikely to change at CES in Las Vegas during the first week of January, when new models are expected from a host of the market’s big manufacturers.
At CES in 2015, a handful of companies showed off products, with synchronised air shows taking place in booths in some parts of the convention centre.
In 2016, a record 27 drone manufacturers are set to be in Las Vegas to show off their technology, including renowned brands Parrot, DJI and 3DR.
The devices remain controversial despite their popularity, with strict regulations now in place in the UK and US over when and who can fly a drone.
At least two “near misses” have been reported by commercial airline pilots landing at UK airports in the last 18 months, and footage of a falling drone narrowly missing Austrian skier Marcel Hirscher was seen widely last week.
As a result, many manufacturers are now placing added significance on flight safety, with such features expected to be extensively highlighted during CES.
Manufacturer 3DR is already promoting its Solo drone, which has an autopilot and return home feature designed to minimise potential crashes or near misses.
Better battery life and longer flight times are also expected to be demonstrated, with many drones currently restricted to around 20 minutes of air time.
