There are hobbyist drone groups popping up everywhere, and it's a technology that has really always been around, but advancements in fast, real time control, streaming video, and precision gyroscopes and motors are really allowing it to flourish...outside of the military.

Check out this great story about drone groups bringing the drones back to the people, although certainly not away from the military.

http://www.salon.com/2013/07/21/drones_not_just_for_killing_anymore/