Technology is developing by leaps and bounds. A device as small as a smartphone now has more processing power than rockets to the Moon once had. New tech brings many advantages, making our lives easier and opening up new opportunities. One piece of kit that’s been really taking off recently is the drone. This pilotless mini aircraft, originally developed for photography from above and warfare, is now bringing us benefits closer to home. In the last few years, tech companies such as Amazon, Alphabet and Uber have promised us delivery drones—bringing goods to our doorsteps in a matter of minutes. Progress in developing them has, however, been slow.
Drones are helping to connect with and enhance the lives of people in remote locations. In the UK, the Royal Mail wants a fleet of 500 drones to help deliver the mail to far-flung communities. Windracers, the company developing the drones, say they can fly in fog and produce 30% fewer emissions than comparable piloted aircraft. And in Coventry in the UK, construction has started on an air hub, which will act as a base for police and delivery drones. Urban-Air Port Limited is working with car-maker Hyundai on the mini- -airport, known as a skyport.
Drones could also play a part in improving the health of millions of people. In Zanzibar, for example, they’re being used to spray wetlands against malaria(疟疾). And writing for BBC Future website, Harriet Constable describes an incredible development project by the University of South Australia. The plan is for drones to eventually be able to survey populations for disease by reading the blood oxygen levels of humans from the air. They’ll also be able to scan for other vital signs, like coughing and a high temperature.
It seems that the sky’s the limit for what drone technology can achieve. The only thing that sometimes keeps it grounded is regulation. Writing for the BBC, Jessica Brown says, “If our skies are to become as crowded as our streets, airspace rules need updating to prevent accidents.” There are also related problems，such as noise pollution.
【小题1】What was the primary use of the drone?| A．Exploring the Moon. | B．Survey and military. |
| C．Special delivery or express. | D．Transporting goods. |
| A．Centre. | B．Branch. | C．Garage. | D．Field. |
| A．Drones could take over doctors’ duties in the future. |
| B．Drones can play a role in improving people’s health. |
| C．Drones can cure patients suffering from various diseases like malaria. |
| D．Human beings will eventually overcome all kinds of stubborn diseases. |
| A．Emphasize there is no limit for drones development. |
| B．Ignore the disadvantages the development of drones will bring. |
| C．Urge the rules of drones management need to be updated. |
| D．Prove the development of drones is beneficial without harming. |
