I understand that in Japan there are over 1000 Yamaha RMAX utilised for crop spraying.
Out of interest will UAV/UAS's will completely take over some roles apart from passenger transportation, some law enforcement and EMS operations, because of zero risk to aircrew and cost attraction?
Three years on and this question is still relevant.
As for my opinion - I think that ultimately UAV/UASs will take over
some roles.
Will an unmanned aircraft complete the job to the same standard as a manned aircraft? No. Will it be 100% safe? No. Will it be cheaper? Yes. And that's all that matters - the cost.
I sincerely hope that UAV/UASs never take over roles such pax transport, EMS, etc, and I don't really see it happening. That being said, a beancounter somewhere will only see the dollar signs and will think that an unmanned pax plane is a great idea. Therefore, it will be attempted.