Can Drones Leapfrog Roads?

The introduction of and rapid adoption of new technologies is allowing under-developed areas to leapfrog traditional infrastructure.  For instance, mobile phones have replaced the need for traditional land lines and ATMs.  Can drones replace the need for roads and help to physically connect rural and underdeveloped areas in the same way?

The idea may sound far fetched, but testing has already begun.  Two startups (Matternet and aria) as well as a challenge (The Flying Donkey Challenge) are looking for solutions to physically moving goods in places where infrastructure is not established, including under-developed regions and areas effected by natural disaster.  Initial use cases focus on distributing medicine, vaccines and food to hard to reach areas, but are hardly limited.  A network to move physical goods will also be required for e-commerce to take of in developing areas.

As we consider the implications of technological development, we often consider the impact in areas (geographies) that we are familiar with.  As the next 3 billion become digital, we need to consider how existing and emerging technologies allow for new and interesting solutions to old challenges.  What we have seen work might not be the best, quickest or most efficient solution.