
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

The Future of Drone Technology and How It’s Changing Industries
What’s Next for Industry, Innovation, and Sky Perth’s Vision
Drones have evolved from military tools and hobbyist gadgets into an essential technology for businesses, public safety, and environmental conservation. They are delivering medicine, monitoring endangered species, and mapping disaster zones. As drone technology continues to advance, the possibilities are expanding.
What will the next decade bring for drones?
Part 1: Industry Trends Shaping the Future of Drones
The drone industry is expected to grow from $30 billion in 2023 to over $100 billion by 2030. AI-powered automation, regulatory advancements, and increased demand across industries drive this rapid expansion.
1.1 Drones in Commercial Sectors
Drones are now essential business tools across multiple industries.
- Delivery Services: Companies like Amazon Prime Air, Wing (Alphabet), and Zipline use drones to deliver fast e-commerce packages and medical supplies. In Rwanda, Zipline has reduced emergency delivery times from hours to minutes, saving lives.
- Agriculture: Farmers use drones to monitor crops, detect pests, and apply fertilisers efficiently. The DJI Agras series has helped increase agricultural yields by 20% in trial programs.
- Construction and Infrastructure: Drones provide real-time mapping, site inspections, and safety monitoring. Surveying costs have been reduced by 50% using drones.
1.2 Drones in Public Safety and Disaster Response
Drones are changing how emergency responders work.
- Search and Rescue: UAVs with thermal imaging cameras locate missing persons in forests, mountains, and disaster zones.
- Firefighting: Drones help firefighters track wildfire movements and plan containment strategies.
- Disaster Relief: UAVs assess damage and deliver emergency supplies after hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes.
1.3 Drones for Environmental Protection
Drones are making a difference in climate action and conservation.
- Wildlife Monitoring: Organisations like WWF use UAVs to track endangered species and stop poachers.
- Pollution Detection: AI-powered drones monitor carbon emissions and methane leaks, helping companies follow environmental laws.
- Reforestation: Seed-planting drones can plant 120 trees per minute, speeding up reforestation projects.
1.4 Drone Regulations and Airspace Management
As drone usage increases, regulations must evolve.
- Air Traffic Rules: The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Australia and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US are updating rules for drone operations.
- Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Flights: CASA and FAA are working on new regulations to allow long-range drone flights without a human pilot in sight.
- Privacy Laws: Stricter policies prevent drones from invading personal spaces or collecting data without permission.
Part 2: Innovations Driving the Future of Drone Technology
The next generation of drones will be smarter, faster, and more efficient.
2.1 AI-Powered Automation
- Drone Swarms: AI-driven drones work together in groups like birds flying in formation. These drone swarms could be used for search and rescue missions or construction.
- Obstacle Avoidance: Some drones, like the Skydio X10, can navigate around obstacles at high speeds using AI.
2.2 Longer Flight Times and Sustainable Energy
Battery life has been a major challenge for drones, but new technology is improving flight times.
- Hydrogen-Powered Drones: Companies like Doosan Mobility have developed drones that can fly for two hours, much longer than traditional battery-powered UAVs.
- Solar Drones: The Airbus Zephyr UAV flew for 64 days non-stop using solar power, showing potential for long-term environmental monitoring.
2.3 Advanced Imaging and Sensors
Drones are becoming essential for high-precision mapping and data collection.
- LiDAR Scanning: LiDAR-equipped drones help in archaeology, mining, and construction by creating detailed 3D maps.
- Hyperspectral Imaging: These advanced sensors detect soil conditions, pollution levels, and plant health, helping scientists and farmers make better decisions.
2.4 Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Drone Taxis
Flying taxis are closer than ever to reality.
- eVTOL Aircraft: Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles, like Joby Aviation’s air taxi, promise to reduce traffic congestion in major cities.
- Drone Ports: Countries like Australia, Singapore, and the UAE are developing vertiports for drone taxis and cargo UAVs.
2.5 Defence and Security
As drones become more common, anti-drone technology is also advancing.
- Counter-Drone Systems: Security firms are developing RF-jamming and laser-based defences to stop unauthorised drones.
Part 3: Sky Perth’s Role in the Future of Drone Technology
Sky Perth is a leader in aerial imagery, focusing on sustainability, accessibility, and innovation.
3.1 Making Drone Technology More Accessible
Sky Perth is focused on helping businesses and communities use drone technology.
- Supporting Small Businesses: Sky Perth provides affordable aerial data solutions for industries that need drone services but don’t have the budget for high-end UAVs.
- Training and Certification: The company partners with companies that offer courses for drone operators to improve safety and compliance.
3.2 Ethical AI and Data Privacy
Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto, Chief Remote Pilot at Sky Perth, highlights the importance of responsible drone use:
“Drones are powerful tools, but their impact depends on how they are used. Ethical AI and clear regulations will build public trust and maximise their benefits.”
Sky Perth is working on data protection measures that ensure privacy while collecting valuable aerial insights.
Part 4: What’s Next for Drone Technology?
Over the next ten years, drones will become more autonomous, integrated into smart cities, and widely accepted by the public.
- AI and Automation: Drones will need less human control, making them faster and more reliable.
- Smart Cities: Drones will be used for traffic monitoring, urban planning, and emergency response.
- Public Trust and Regulation: Governments and businesses must ensure drones are used responsibly and safely.
A key insight from “The Innovators” by Walter Isaacson reflects the future of drones: “Innovation thrives at the intersection of technology and human creativity.”
Drones won’t replace humans. They will enhance human capabilities. The challenge is ensuring they are used ethically and responsibly.
A Future Above and Beyond
Drone technology is no longer just an experiment. It is becoming a powerful business, safety, and environmental sustainability tool.
Companies like Sky Perth are proving that drones can be used for good, protecting the planet, improving cities, and saving lives.
Still, challenges remain. Privacy concerns, airspace management, and ethical AI must be addressed to ensure drones benefit society.
The next decade will reshape our relationship with the sky.
The real question isn’t “What’s next for drones?” but rather, “How can we prepare for the future they bring?”