
About the author : Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto
Meet Rodrigo, our chief remote pilot here at Sky Perth, where he's been transforming aerial videography into captivating stories for over eight years. At the heart of Rodrigo's work lies a profound passion for both the art of flying and the art of storytelling. This combination has led his work to be featured on platforms like Netflix, Stan, AppleTV+, Paramount+, Disney+, SBS On Demand, and even internationally with ZDF in Germany.
Rodrigo's aerial videography and photography journey is a testament to his dedication to mastering this unique craft. From capturing the vast beauty of Australia's landscapes to the dynamic energy of urban life across the globe, his work offers viewers a fresh, sky-high perspective. It's not just about the technical expertise of handling a drone; for Rodrigo, every flight is an opportunity to tell a story, to reveal the unseen, and to share a new viewpoint with the world.
Renowned for his collaborative spirit and innovative approach, Rodrigo brings more than technical skills to every project at Sky Perth. Whether working on a documentary, a TV series, or a bespoke project, his focus remains on creating visuals that resonate deeply with audiences. His commitment to quality and ability to capture the heart of a story make him a skilled pilot and a storyteller of the skies.
Do you want to know more about Rodrigo? Check his website: rodmatsumoto.com

How Quantum Computing Could Improve Drone Navigation and AI Processing
We live in a time of great change in science and technology. New ideas in computing bring hope for a better future. One such idea is quantum computing.
This article shows how quantum computing may help drones fly better and make smarter choices. We will look at what quantum computing is and how it may change drone navigation and artificial intelligence processing.
What Is Quantum Computing?
Quantum computing is a new way of processing data. It uses the rules of quantum physics to work with information. Unlike regular computers that use bits, quantum computers use what are called quantum bits or qubits.
A bit can only be zero or one. A qubit can be both at the same time. This quality is called superposition. It makes a quantum computer very powerful when it comes to solving certain problems.
Quantum computers also use a concept called entanglement.
Entanglement links qubits so that the state of one qubit can depend on another. This connection means that a change in one part of a quantum computer can affect another part instantly. This quality makes quantum computers very special.
Regular computers are very good at word processing and web browsing tasks. They are not so good at solving very complex problems.
This is where quantum computers may help. They can solve problems that seem impossible for regular computers. Many scientists believe that quantum computers will be the next big step in computing.
How Drones Work
A drone is a flying machine that can take pictures and video. Many drones also have sensors that help them know where they are. A drone uses many small computers to make decisions. For example, a drone uses its computer to stay in the air and avoid obstacles.
Drones have many uses. They can help with search and rescue work, deliver small packages or take photos from high in the sky. They work in many fields, such as film, agriculture and science.
Yet, drones sometimes have trouble with navigation. They may be unable to tell the difference between a tree and a pole. They may also struggle in busy places with many obstacles. Their artificial intelligence may sometimes be too slow or not precise enough.
How Quantum Computing May Help Drone Navigation
One of the hardest jobs for a drone is to know where it is and where it should go. This is called navigation. Navigation uses many sensors, such as cameras, radars and GPS systems. A drone must process all this information to make quick decisions.
Regular computers have limits. Quantum computers may help by making these decisions faster.
Imagine a drone that flies over a busy city. It must work with many obstacles, such as tall buildings, wires and trees. The computer inside the drone must decide how to change direction in a split second. With a quantum computer, the drone may process these choices much faster.
This speed may help the drone fly more safely and smoothly.
Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto, Chief Remote Pilot at Sky Perth, believes faster decision making is essential. He explains that a drone equipped with quantum computing could compare many flight paths at the same time and choose the safest one in moments.
This improvement would reduce the chance of collisions and improve the reliability of drone operations in complex urban environments.
How Quantum Computing May Help AI Processing in Drones
Artificial intelligence processing is another area where quantum computing may be of great help.
Drones use artificial intelligence to understand the world around them. This includes recognising objects, people and dangers.
AI helps the drone make decisions in real-time.
Quantum computing can improve AI processing by making the learning process faster. A drone that uses AI learns from its surroundings. It learns to spot obstacles and to recognise patterns.
A quantum computer may help the drone learn new tasks in a shorter time. This is because a quantum computer can run many simulations at the same time.
For example, a drone may need to learn how to tell the difference between a bird and a plane. A regular computer must process many pictures and use time to learn. A quantum computer may work through these images much faster. This means that the drone can learn quickly and adapt to changes in its environment more easily.
Many researchers believe combining quantum computing with AI processing can lead to smarter drones. A quantum computer may help a drone analyse video feeds or sensor data in real-time. This is important when a drone does a difficult task, such as search and rescue missions, where quick decisions can save lives.
Benefits of Quantum Computing for Drone Technology
There are many ways that quantum computing may improve drone technology.
The first benefit is speed. Quantum computers can work with many pieces of data at once. This means that drones can process information faster. A faster decision can help the drone avoid obstacles or adjust its flight path in real-time.
The second benefit is accuracy. Quantum computers may help drones make better choices when faced with many options. They can work through many flight paths and pick the best one. This accuracy can lead to safer flights.
The third benefit is the ability to learn quickly. Drones that use quantum computing may learn new tasks in a shorter time. They may learn from many scenarios at once. This ability can lead to smarter drones that adapt to new challenges.
Another benefit is energy use. Drones must balance power use with performance. A quantum computer may help a drone use its energy more efficiently. When a drone can make quick and correct decisions, it may not need extra power to fix errors or re-plan its flight.
Quantum computing may also help with teamwork among drones. In some cases, many drones work together. They may share data and coordinate tasks. Quantum computing can help them process shared information faster. This may lead to better cooperation among drones in a fleet.
Real World Applications
Many industries may benefit from a combination of quantum computing and drone technology. Australia has great potential in mining, agriculture and disaster management. For example, drones may use quantum computing in a mine to check for hazards or survey the land. With fast processing, drones can quickly alert workers to dangers.
In agriculture, farmers use drones to check on crops and soil. Quantum computing may help these drones make faster decisions about where to fly. They may even spot problems with crops much sooner. This can help farmers save time and money.
Disaster management is another area where drones are helpful. In a bushfire, for example, drones can help track the progress of the fire. They can send real time images to rescue workers. With quantum computing, drones can process these images faster. This speed can help emergency teams act quickly.
Urban planning is a further example. In a busy city, drones may check bridges, roads and buildings. With the power of quantum computing, a drone can scan large areas in a short time. The data may be used to make better plans for city development and maintenance.
The film industry also stands to gain from this technology. Drones already give us amazing aerial shots. With quantum computing, drones may work faster and produce even more impressive images. They may adjust their paths in real-time to capture the best views.
Feedback from Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto at Sky Perth is clear. He notes that in the film and media sector, the speed and accuracy offered by quantum computing could allow drones to capture complex scenes without the need for repeated takes. This improvement not only saves time but also enhances the creative process.
Challenges Ahead
Even though quantum computing has great promise, many challenges remain. One of the main challenges is that quantum computing is still in its early days. Researchers must work hard to make quantum computers that are stable and reliable. The technology is still very new.
A second challenge is creating hardware that fits in a drone. Drones are small and must be light. Adding a quantum computer inside a drone may be a difficult task. Engineers must design small, efficient quantum devices that do not add too much weight.
The third challenge is the need for error correction. Quantum computers can be very sensitive to noise. This means that even a small change in temperature or vibrations may affect their work. For drones, which fly in outdoor conditions, this may be a problem. Researchers must find ways to keep quantum computers stable when the drone is in flight.
Another challenge is the cost. Right now, quantum computers are very expensive to build and run. It will be hard work to make them small enough to fit in a drone and keep the cost low. Many companies must work together to bring these ideas to life.
Integrating new quantum methods with the drone software is also challenging.
Drones already use a mix of software tools to run smoothly. Adding quantum computing will need careful work to blend the old with the new. This work may take many years of testing and refinement.
Privacy and safety also play a role in these challenges. As drones work faster and make decisions on their own, questions about safety and security come to mind.
How do we ensure that a drone does not make a mistake? How do we protect the data that it collects? These issues must be thought through carefully.
Furthermore, many legal and regulatory rules govern how drones can be used. If quantum computing changes how drones work, new rules may be needed. Policymakers, engineers and users must talk to ensure that new technology helps rather than harms society.
The Role of Research and Development
Research is the key to overcoming these challenges. Many universities and companies around the world are studying quantum computing. They are working to create systems that are both fast and reliable. This research is not just theoretical. Many groups are testing prototypes and small systems that may one day be used in drones.
Government agencies in Australia and other countries also support research. They fund projects that look at the future of drone technology.
The idea is to prepare for the changes that quantum computing may bring. These projects may lead to innovations that make drones safer and smarter.
Researchers must also work with drone makers. The goal is to combine quantum methods with existing drone systems. This work will require many tests and trials. The end result may be a new generation of drones that can perform tasks that were once impossible.
Training and education will be necessary, too. Many engineers and pilots will need to learn how to use new tools. Courses on quantum computing and its applications in drones may become common. The next generation of experts can lead the way in this exciting field by learning these skills.
Potential Impact on Various Industries
The promise of quantum computing and drone technology is not limited to a few sectors. Many industries may see benefits from these innovations.
Let us explore some of these industries.
Agriculture may see a new era of precision. Drones already help farmers check on crops. With the power of quantum computing, these drones may process data faster and more accurately. They may help farmers identify areas that need extra care. This technology may reduce waste and improve yields.
Mining and resource exploration are other industries that may benefit. In harsh environments, drones may provide the first line of survey. They can detect hazards and monitor changes in the landscape. Quantum computing may help these drones work more efficiently. The result may be safer work sites and more accurate data.
The field of disaster management may see life-saving improvements. In the event of a natural disaster, drones may be used to find survivors or assess damage. With quantum computing, the data may be processed in real time. This may help rescue teams act faster and with more precision. Faster decisions in these situations can save lives and property.
Urban planning and construction may also benefit. In large cities, drones can survey buildings and infrastructure. With quick data processing, drones can detect faults or potential problems. This timely information may help prevent accidents and guide repairs. Urban planners can use the data to design better and safer cities.
The military and security sectors are also interested in these advancements. Drones have long been used for surveillance and security. Faster processing with quantum computing may allow these drones to spot threats sooner. This technology may also help coordinate multiple drones during missions.
Healthcare is another field where drones may bring change. In remote areas, drones already deliver supplies. These drones may deliver medical aid faster with improved navigation and decision making. They may help in emergencies or in regular deliveries of life saving medicines.
Scientific research may see big gains as well. Drones help scientists collect data in hard to reach places. With quantum computing, the data processing may occur as soon as the drone lands. This may speed up research in fields such as climate science, ecology and geology. Faster data analysis means that scientists can react quickly to changes in the field.
The Role of Innovation in the Future of Drones
Innovation is the heart of progress. Many great ideas have come from people who were not afraid to try something new. Quantum computing and drone technology may work together to bring big changes. These changes may help solve problems in many fields.
Some people wonder if these ideas are too far away. It is true that quantum computing is still in its early days. However, many great ideas started with small steps. Today, many researchers are testing the first steps of quantum computing. Tomorrow, these ideas may grow into tools that help drones fly safely and smartly.
Working with industry partners is important. Many companies work on drones for film, agriculture, mining and more. They want to be among the first to use new ideas to improve their work. As quantum computing gets better, these companies may adopt it. This can lead to a cycle of innovation that benefits everyone.
Looking ahead, Rodrigo believes that the union of quantum computing with drone technology will open up new creative possibilities. He emphasises that the future of drone operations lies in more innovative, quicker processing, which will enhance safety and unlock innovative applications in many industries.
The Future of Quantum Computing and Drones
What does the future hold for quantum computing and drones? Many experts believe that the future is bright. We may see drones that can work faster, learn quickly, and fly safely. These drones may be used in a wide range of jobs. They may help farmers, miners, emergency services, city planners and even filmmakers.
One day, we may see drones that can share information in real time. Imagine many drones working together to survey a large area. They can share data and learn from each other. Quantum computing may help them process all this data in a short time. This is a strong sign of what is possible when ideas work together.
Rodrigo comments that as quantum computing improves, drones will not only fly autonomously but also offer new ways to connect communities and support industries. He believes that a future where drones learn from every flight is not far off and that each advancement brings us closer to safer skies.
Vision for the Future at Sky Perth
At Sky Perth, the vision for the future is clear. We see a world where drones do more than capture stunning images. They tell stories from the sky and bring people closer together. We aim to be the first choice for businesses that want to stand out. By using cutting-edge drone technology and embracing innovations such as quantum computing, Sky Perth is set to lead the way in positively impacting society and the environment.
We want to help our clients share their vision and reach people everywhere. Our goal is to combine creativity with technology to inspire, connect and leave a strong impression. As we look to the future, our team remains dedicated to exploring new ways to use drones safely, efficiently and creatively.
Our Final Thoughts
Quantum computing may be the next great tool in the world of technology. It can help drones navigate better and process artificial intelligence faster. With quantum computing, drones can look at many options simultaneously, learn quickly and make good choices in real-time. This may lead to safer flights, better data and many new uses in fields such as agriculture, mining, disaster management, film and more.
There are challenges to be met. Quantum computing is still a new idea, and many obstacles, such as size, error correction and cost, must be overcome. However, researchers around the world are working hard to solve these problems. With time and collaboration, we may see quantum computers that fit in a drone. We may see drones that work faster and smarter than ever before.
The promise of this new technology is evident. When quantum computing and drone technology come together, the results may change many industries. Faster data processing, improved decision making and the ability to learn from every flight are just a few of the benefits.
We now look forward to a day when drones, powered by quantum computing, work hand in hand with people. This partnership may lead to safer skies, smarter cities and a better tomorrow for all.
The future is bright, and the next steps will bring us closer to a world where technology helps create positive change.
Are you ready for the future?