The rise of drone deliveries has introduced a new challenge: noise pollution. Many companies, including Amazon and Walmart, benefit from faster deliveries, but the communities over which drones fly often find the sounds intrusive. Ashley Schmidt, who lives in Dallas, mentions that the buzzing of drones over her home is a major disturbance.

This issue occurs because drones often fly at low altitudes over neighborhoods. While the noise from traffic is constant, the high-pitched buzzing of drones is sudden and therefore more noticeable. Sound expert Antonio Torija Martinez states that this type of noise can significantly affect people's peace of mind.

To tackle this problem, start-ups like Greenjets are creating innovations to lower drone noise. Their new designs aim to minimize sound by modifying the structure and materials of drones. By developing quieter technology, these efforts could improve daily life for people and make drone deliveries more viable.

Antonio Torija Martinez predicts that concerns will grow as the use of drones increases. He emphasizes the need for technological advancements, warning that not addressing noise could lead to community resistance. Companies and researchers are now racing to find effective solutions.

Original news source: Drone technology: Start-ups look for ways to make quieter drones – BBC News (BBC)

1. Discuss as a class: What is the most interesting technology you've used recently?
2. In small groups, talk about how technology could change travel in the future.
3. Describe a time when a new technology changed the way you did something.
4. Brainstorm ways drones could be used in everyday life besides delivery.
5. Share with a partner what you know about drones and their uses.

The rise of drone deliveries has introduced a new ?: noise pollution. Many companies, including ? and ?, benefit from ? deliveries, but the communities over which drones fly often find the sounds intrusive. Ashley Schmidt, who lives in Dallas, mentions that the buzzing of drones over her home is a major disturbance. This issue occurs because drones often fly at low altitudes over neighborhoods. While the noise from ? is constant, the high-pitched buzzing of drones is sudden and ? more noticeable. Sound ? Antonio ? Martinez states that this type of noise can ? affect people's peace of mind. To ? this problem, start-ups like Greenjets are creating innovations to lower drone noise. Their new designs aim to minimize sound by modifying the structure and materials of ?. By developing ? technology, these efforts could improve daily life for people and make drone deliveries more viable. ? Torija Martinez ? that concerns will grow as the use of drones increases. He emphasizes the need for technological ?, ? that not addressing noise could lead to community resistance. Companies and researchers are now racing to find effective solutions.

1. How would you feel about drones delivering parcels in your neighborhood?
2. What are some potential benefits of drone deliveries?
3. Can you think of other technologies similar to drones that changed our lives?
4. How important is noise pollution to you in your community?
5. Would you prefer faster deliveries if it meant increased noise in your area?
6. What steps do you think local governments should take to regulate drone usage?
7. Have you ever experienced a technology that was initially annoying but became useful?
8. What are some possible long-term effects of widespread drone use?
9. How do you believe companies can balance fast delivery and community peace?
10. What role should the public play in deciding how drones are used?
11. How have drones impacted industries other than delivery services?
12. What are some creative solutions you can think of to reduce drone noise?

Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.