Flying Robot Moves Safely At High Speeds

What if a robot could navigate unknown environments at high speeds, dodging obstacles and tracking targets? Discover the tech that makes it possible.

A team of engineers and roboticists from the University of Hong Kong has developed an aerial robot capable of navigating unknown environments at high speeds while avoiding obstacles. In their paper published in Science Robotics, the team details how they addressed challenges faced by previous attempts at creating similar robots and how their quadcopter, SUPER, performed during testing.

For years, roboticists have worked to create a flying robot that can move like birds—safely navigating at high speeds and adapting to unexpected conditions like gusts of wind, power lines, or sudden obstacles.

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Most flying robots have depended on sensors and cameras that process large amounts of video data, which slows their operating speed. However, Hong Kong researchers claim to have overcome these challenges in their latest efforts.

The key to their success, they say, is the use of 3D light detection and ranging (LiDAR) instead of traditional cameras and sensors. This technology provides real-time feedback, measuring distances up to 70 meters in all directions.

The LiDAR data is sent to an onboard computer, which uses it to generate a continuous two-trajectory strategy for plotting the robot’s flight path in real-time. One trajectory prioritizes safety, while the other explores alternative routes. The software adjusts between these two options to determine the optimal path.

Testing revealed that SUPER could safely navigate an obstacle course at 20 meters per second. The research team also found it could track a target, like a person, through a forest while avoiding trees, branches, and other obstacles. Additionally, because it uses LiDAR, SUPER can function effectively in low-light conditions.

The research team believes SUPER represents a significant advancement in autonomous aerial robot technology. While it could be used for search and rescue, its most practical applications are likely in law enforcement and military reconnaissance.