The popularity of drones is growing at a very accelerated pace, whose technology is no longer exclusively for military purposes only. Finally, this piece of technology is now becoming available to the general public in Mexico through 3D Robotics, a company based in Tijuana who sells various drone models starting at $600 (USD).

Although there are affordable models, the high-end ones cost up to $1,300 (USD) that offer a better and a higher level of performance. The most complete models have six engines, multiple sensors (including GPS), telemetry equipment, and can carry objects that weigh up to 3 pounds. All models are capable of taking photo and video.

Fortunately, for those interested and who do not understand anything about robotics, these models that 3D robotics manufactures are very simple in design, and are almost similar to a remote control helicopter.

"We made a product that is easy to understand, and designed in an intuitive manner. Artists, architects and scientists can all use it," said general manager, Jose Guillermo Romero Mendez, in an interview with El Pais newspaper agency.

Romero recalls that his first customers were amateurs and experts in mechatronics, but today more and more people are becoming more interested in this product.

"The problem is that most people just want to press a button and have the drone do the rest. Our challenge is to achieve a balance between accessibility and functionality," said Romero, who also mentioned that the interesting thing about this product is that it does not come from a corporate giant, but instead from a small team of enthusiasts.

At the Hardware Innovation Workwhop, a convention where independent inventors from North America meet, Chris Anderson (one of the founders of 3D Robotics and former editor of Wired magazine) explained that the increasing access to technology is allowing more people-with minimal experience-to join this creative effort, in which just like his own company, it grew out a drone prototype that was controlled with just a Wii remote.

"The way of finding funding that was used in the twentieth century would never have allowed me to meet Joseph. Back then, if he had wanted to create a drone, we would have found countless bureaucratic obstacles. Today, the philosophy of open hardware allows anybody to create complex and advanced machinery at a ridiculously low price. But ultimately, it depends as much on technology as being in the right environment" said Anderson, adding that currently his company employs 75 people and generates 5 billion dollars a year.

Interestingly, Anderson had thought that Mexico (particularly Tijuana) was a land filled with nothing but drug cartels and cheap tequila. But to his surprise, he found out that "it is the Shenzen of North America". In other words, it's equivalent to the industrial epicenter of China. And after realizing this, the technology enthusiast wants to be an example for other entrepreneurs in the country and help boost the local industry. In fact, he is sure that his drones will help farmers better manage their crops, but is also aware that the price for this type of technology is still high.

"As a Mexican, I think it's important to talk about that this technology is here. Not in Japan or Germany, it's in Mexico" - Guillermo Romero, director of 3D Robotics.

It is a fact that drones are being integrated into everyday life in various corners of the world. In Germany they are seeking to use them to prevent graffiti damage to trains, while in Canada they are used for rescue efforts.

Editorial@sandiegored.com

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