By Lora O’Toole, Vice President of Business Development at Arrive
Not long ago, the idea of drones gracefully navigating our skies seemed like science fiction. However, as drones become increasingly integrated into our lives, we’re witnessing a shift in public perception, driven by real-world experiences and the efforts of the drone industry to address concerns head-on.
In 2017, the Pew Research Center found that 59% of Americans had already witnessed a drone in action. The unfamiliarity surrounding these unmanned aerial vehicles naturally gave rise to skepticism, but the tide is turning as more people become familiar with drones and the way these tools can improve our lives.
In Christiansburg, Virginia, where Wing conducted a drone delivery pilot program, Virginia Tech found that a staggering 90% of the town’s residents supported drone delivery after participating in the pilot. This is a testament to the power of firsthand experience. When people witness the convenience and efficiency that drone deliveries bring to their communities, skepticism gives way to enthusiasm.
Education plays a pivotal role in cultivating this enthusiasm, and it starts early. Schools and organizations across the nation are teaching children, some as young as middle school age, about drones and their diverse applications. This early education empowers our youth while equipping them with valuable skills for future professional development. By nurturing an understanding of drones from a young age, we ensure that the next generation views these machines as tools for progress, not sources of uncertainty.
Safety concerns have understandably been a significant factor in the public’s perception of drones. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the drone industry takes these concerns very seriously. We operate under rigorous standards to ensure safety, from manufacturing to operation. Companies like Arrive (formerly Dronedek) are actively addressing these concerns by providing safe areas for drones to deliver, ensuring that the technology continues to evolve responsibly.
Beyond convenience, drones are having a profound impact on society. They are expanding access to rural areas in unprecedented ways and, more importantly, saving lives by swiftly delivering medications, blood products, tissue, organ transplants, and more to those in need. This technology is about bridging the gap between urban and rural, between life and loss.
Research from the National Aerospace Laboratory reinforces this notion. Their studies suggest that when people understand that drones are actively contributing to critical services, perceptions change, and public acceptance increases. Drones are not mere toys; they are tools for progress, offering tangible benefits to our communities.
The path to public acceptance of drones is illuminated by knowledge and exposure. The drone delivery industry, with its innovative programs and commitment to safety, is at the forefront of this movement. As we move forward, it becomes our collective responsibility to educate ourselves and our communities about the boundless potential that drones offer. It’s time to embrace a future where drones are celebrated as a force for good, a symbol of innovation, and a beacon of hope for those in need.
About Arrive:
Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Arrive (formerly Dronedek) is revolutionizing autonomous last-mile delivery and pickup with its smart Mailbox-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform. The company empowers autonomous logistics to operate more efficiently by leveraging secure and climate-assisted cargo space, smart alerts, and chain of custody. The platform’s apps and APIs make it easy for partners and customers to use its features. Arrive has raised over $9 million from nearly 5,000 investors and forged strategic partnerships with several industry leaders. Learn more about Arrive‘s innovative solutions at https://arrive.tech.
