The last thirty years have seen the speed of change accelerate beyond most people's imagination. The mobile phone morphed from something about the size of a house brick that could only make calls - to today's " Smart Phone " - less than the size of a cigarette pack - but capable of interacting with your computer, the Internet, - and delivering a whole world of movies, news and functions wherever you happen to be.
We marvel at the technology that enables " Drone " pilotless aircraft armed with cameras and missiles to be controlled by operators sitting at a desk thousands of miles away from the area of operations. This basic technology is already present in our toy stores. For less than fifty dollars you can buy a remotely controlled toy plane or helicopter for your kids to fly in the park.
Like that mobile phone, this " harmless toy " is about to morph into a monster. The technology that enabled Drone aircraft to become a weapon of war has been eagerly embraced by industry and we are seeing the emergence of advanced miniature " flying platforms " equipped with high pixel cameras that are opening up a new era of surveillance.
They certainly have legitimate areas of use. These drones will cut costs when it comes to the regular inspection of powerlines. The fire services will make use of them to track bushfires and no doubt law enforcement will find them handy to spot Marijuana plantations. They can perform the same task as a manned helicopter - at just a fraction of the cost.
Unfortunately - as is the case with most new forms of technology - there is a dark side to be considered. We value our personal privacy. It seems certain that news gatherers will adopt this means of gaining photographs for a story. Celebrities will find it much harder to hide from these cameras - and it is inevitable that the criminal milieu will adopt their benefits.
The biggest danger will come from terrorists and those with a deranged mentality to do harm. As we have seen with the mobile phone and the digital camera, innovation and mass production quickly lower the retail price. It seems certain that very sophisticated drone technology will become widely available at very low cost in a short period of time.
No doubt drones will be subjected to a range of new laws, but laws are only effective for those who willingly obey them. If a demand develops for drone technology, supply will inevitably follow - as is the case with guns, drugs and all manner of other contraband.
We live in a brave new world of advancing technology. Get used to the idea that in the near future you may be under observation from the sky - and that ever fertile minds are thinking up ways that drones can be used for their gain !
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