An overview of the use of drones is provided, focussing on use in, and around, various types of urban environment. The possibilities and inhibitors to growth are considered, including technological, economic and societal aspects. Challenges provided by the requirements of autonomous or semi-autonomous operation, safety, endurance/payload, noise and the inability to fly well in adverse weather are considered. The threats to conventional terrestrial-based transport are considered for a number of environments.

RMIT University: Simon Watkins, Reece Clothier; Swinburne University of Technology: Jane Burry