Drones have been in use in one form or another for terrestrial and stellar uses for centuries. The DV-8 Drone program went into production in the mid 23rd Century, and has been updated and revamped at regular intervals. Software updates are granted as part of the purchase contract, and will be updated with any technology released by a DFIG affiliate.
Physical Drones are included with purchase of from a DFIG affiliate, as is a number of licenses appropriate for each class of craft or facility. Replacements are available on order from DFIG Titan or from Delta V-8 Drone Systems Development directly. License for drones allow for on site replication of damaged or destroyed drones, though such replication is considered to be a replication and requires dismantling or recycling of the original and registration of newly replicated drones. Unregistered drones are a violation of purchase contract.
Background information[]
Utility Drones are used in many applications in industry, as well as in damage control and repair situations. At roughly half the size of the DV-8 Repair Drone its capabilities are commensurately less. Less lifting and carrying capacity, and only rudimentary tools, though they can be equipped with specialized tools if required. DFIG affiliated companies and unions are the most common users of the DV-8 drone products, but they are also available on the open market for use with non-affiliated products and individual end users. Each is a licensed product, registered and granted warrantee for product intended use.
2420; The most recent model of the Utility Drone is comprised of a duranium shell and mechanical structure. Fully articulated appendages are able to manipulate nearly as well as any organic. Power is provided through storage cells which self recharge in environments with an EM field or directly in a charging dock. Drones maintain an operations manual and repair database for registered craft and facilities but are capable of individual software upgrades for unregistered equipment. Drones are capable of fully autonomous operation, but also mesh control by a central controller to allow drones to work in concert.