Soon the world may have palm-sized drones that may also possess the same capabilities of a smartphone.

With technology advancing at what feels like lightning speed, it's possible that in the future we'll have personal drones.

Incorporating the capabilities of a smartphone, some envision a mini-flying drone could act like a personal assistant. Along with a camera, the pocket sized drone could check your actual mail box, help you quit smoking, or perform various other tasks.

Researchers at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands are currently developing just that.

They believe that the small, lightweight devices would be less cumbersome to operate, particularly when flown in highly populated areas.

The Delft researchers believe it could be invaluable in search and rescue missions, and have developed their prototype as open source to allow for collaboration and improvement. In the US however, it would be subject to Federal Aviation Administration regulations such as those regulating commercial drone use.

As the laws governing their use are debated, ethics have to be taken into consideration with this type of technology. Issues including privacy rights and safety concerns, to spying and drug dealing, are all new aspects to consider.