A fleet of AI-powered miniature drones developed by engineers at Zhejiang University in east China has successfully demonstrated the ability to autonomously navigate dense forests, potentially revolutionizing disaster response and environmental monitoring.
Traditionally, navigating complex environments like forests has posed significant challenges for drones, often requiring skilled operators and manual controls. However, the team at Zhejiang University has equipped these drones with advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, enabling them to perceive their surroundings, make decisions, and operate independently without human intervention.
“While traditional drones require skilled operators to control their flight with a remote controller, we have chosen to let drones make their own decisions,” explained Zhou Xin, a PhD student at the College of Control Science and Engineering at Zhejiang University. “This grants them the ability to perceive and observe the environment, make decisions, and exercise control without human intervention.”
Instead of relying on satellite navigation systems, which can be unreliable or unavailable in dense environments, the drones communicate with each other to autonomously avoid obstacles and coordinate their movements. Equipped with sensors acting as their ‘eyes,’ they acquire environmental information and generate a 3D map of their surroundings.
“With the help of AI algorithms, drones can navigate freely and ensure collision-free movement,” Zhou Xin added. “Moreover, collaborative algorithms have been developed to facilitate recognition and understanding among multiple drones, allowing for effective control of the entire fleet.”
The potential applications for this technology are vast. According to Gao Fei, a PhD supervisor from the college, these drones could play a crucial role in emergency response scenarios such as post-earthquake search and rescue operations or firefighting efforts. “They can even accurately locate each tree in the forest environment and evaluate their growth status,” he noted, highlighting the drones’ capabilities in environmental monitoring and conservation.
This advancement signifies a significant step forward in drone technology, showcasing how AI can equip machines with greater autonomy and collaborative capabilities. For business professionals and investors, this innovation opens new avenues in disaster management technologies and environmental analytics. Academics and researchers may find the underlying AI and algorithmic developments noteworthy for further exploration.
As Asia continues to lead in technological innovations, developments like these drones underscore the region’s dynamic role in shaping the future of AI and robotics. For global readers and the Asian diaspora, such breakthroughs highlight the growing impact of Asian institutions in addressing global challenges through cutting-edge technology.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
