Drone Technology Powered by AI
FEATURE | PHYSICAL AI: BRIDGING THE DIGITAL AND PHYSICAL WORLDS
Drone Technology Powered by AI
Text Dr Hee‐Choon( Alex) Kwon
AI has completely revolutionised modern drone capabilities, making them smarter, more autonomous, and highly efficient. From navigation to data analysis, AI is driving innovation across various industries, unlocking new possibilities for drone applications.
One of the most impactful advancements is in autonomous navigation. AI-powered obstacle avoidance systems allow drones to detect and manoeuvre around obstacles in real time, making flights safer and more reliable. AI also enhances path planning, helping drones determine the most efficient routes based on weather conditions, terrain, and specific mission goals.
Another game-changer is computer vision, which enables drones to recognise and classify objects with high precision. This is particularly valuable in areas like surveillance, agriculture, and search-and-rescue missions. AI-powered tracking systems also allow drones to follow moving objects accurately, making them useful for applications such as wildlife monitoring, security, and sports filming.
AI significantly improves data processing and analysis, allowing drones to generate realtime insights during operations. Whether it’ s assessing disaster-stricken areas or inspecting infrastructure, AI-driven analytics provide critical information on the spot. Additionally, AI can integrate and analyse vast amounts of data collected over time, helping industries make more informed decisions.
Zipline
Communication between drones has also advanced through swarm intelligence, where multiple drones work together efficiently on large-scale tasks like agricultural monitoring or disaster relief. AI optimises connectivity, ensuring stable and reliable communication between drones and control centres. When
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