Enhancement of Drone-as-a-Service Using Blockchain and AI

Abstract

With the rapid technological development of robust and intelligent UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), typically referred to as drones, much opportunities have emerged to provide DraaS (Drone-as-a-Service) to help industries such as agriculture, energy and utilities, GIS, package delivery, cinematography, industrial inspection and many more. The capability of drones to lift payload, acquire data with camera and sensors mounted on it make drones as a useful tool for various commercial applications. However, there exist great challenges for executing autonomous missions, operations, management, ensuring safety and secure communications. In this research paper, we review the latest research in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain applied for DraaS. Blockchain being a distributed ledger protects the shared data using cryptography techniques such as hash functions and public key encryption. It can also be used for assuring the truthfulness of the information stored and for improving the security and transparency of the UAVs. The integration of AI contributes more intelligence to the system enabling informed decision making and eventually converting drones into vehicles capable of executing autonomous missions in the real-world.