Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we work, and the drone industry is no exception. Advances in AI are improving how drones collect data, process information, navigate environments, and manage automated missions.
However, we’re only at the tip of the iceberg. While drones presently need to be manned by those having RePL course accreditation to fly commercially, like many industries AI can change things like never before.
How Does AI Relate to Drone Technology?
AI-powered drones aren’t an invention of science fiction – they’re already in use all over the world. AI is the secret behind some of the drone industry’s most popular services. Applications in agriculture, surveying, search and rescue, surveillance, and logistics extensively use this technology.
Currently, the software powering AI drones uses a type of artificial intelligence called a neural network. Neural networks function similarly to the human brain, allowing them to process huge amounts of data in a short space of time.
The result is drones that can automatically detect obstacles, optimize flight paths, track target objects, and turn raw data into powerful insights with minimal human input.
Neural networks are a highly flexible form of AI suitable for various tasks, but the drone industry is using neural networks in three main ways:
Data Processing
AI data processing is a form of computer vision that drones can use to “see” and make decisions. Data processing is the foundation for commercial drone technology and wouldn’t be possible without AI.
Even basic drone services like mapping make extensive use of AI to cross-check positional data, correct geometric distortion, and create highly accurate images of an area.
Beyond this, drone software can identify and follow targets, count objects, identify anomalies, and compile reports for manual verification.
Navigation
Commercial-grade drones can cost a small fortune, especially once equipped with advanced cameras, sensors, and other payloads. Luckily, most modern drone platforms include various navigational aids to keep your aircraft in the sky.
Many commercial drones now feature obstacle avoidance technology powered by AI that processes inputs from active and passive sensors such as radar, LiDAR, infrared sensors, and video cameras.
These sensors collect data from the surrounding area to identify and locate obstacles (like trees or buildings). The drone processes this information and can generate a new flight path that prevents collision without human input.
This technology is crucial for developing long-range, beyond-visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations and autonomous drone missions.
Automation
Automation is the next great frontier for drone technology. Many industries use drones to perform routine tasks. Operations like inspecting a field of crops, counting trees in a stand, measuring stockpiles, and monitoring assets all need to be done regularly.
Drones are already reducing the time and money invested in these types of regular operations. But, with automation, drones can be programmed to automatically conduct flights and collect the data you need. AI is the defining factor in drone automation.
For drones to operate on their own successfully, they require advanced safety and anti-collision systems and need to process data without human intervention. While some of these features are already a reality, we expect advances in AI to improve drone automation in the near future further.
Applications for AI-powered drones
AI-powered drones are already a reality, but the technology is always evolving and has far-reaching applications in our industry.
Here are just a few of the areas where we expect to see AI drones being put to use:
Agriculture
Agricultural drones are among the most advanced UAV platforms in the world. They’re used to map and monitor farms, plantations, and livestock and plant seeds, spray liquid treatments, spread fertilizer, and more. AI will only improve the versatility of drones, allowing them to operate with less operator input and deliver more powerful insights.
For example, in a recent project by software development company RIIS, AI was used to identify and count the number of sheep in a field. Given the size of sheep and cattle stations, this type of AI can dramatically reduce the time it takes to monitor the number and health of animals.
This AI tool can significantly reduce the time it takes to manage a farm and perform routine tasks, which is crucial as agricultural businesses become increasingly autonomous.
Logistics and Delivery
Logistics and delivery services are Australia's fastest-growing drone sector, according to a report by Air Services Australia. The report projects that Australian skies will see more than 60 million drone flights every year, with approximately 75% of those flights being deliveries. However, drone delivery wouldn't save time or money if every flight required a human operator.
Instead, drone logistics services are using AI to automate the process. With AI, creating a seamless link between a company receiving an order and a drone making the delivery is possible. In this delivery model, AI-powered drones are loaded with items, and they automatically locate and drop goods at the delivery address.
This might sound simple, but research from Amazon has shown that AI is crucial for tasks like locating the correct delivery address, identifying safe drop zones and landing zones, and protecting cargo from collisions and obstacles.
Surveillance and Security
Drone surveillance is becoming increasingly common, and it’s helping law enforcement detect and prevent criminal activity. The advantage of using drones for security tasks is that they can survey large areas from a great height.
This provides more data that law enforcement can use to identify unwanted behaviors rather than relying on on-the-ground officers alone.
One example of AI in drone surveillance is this project by UK researchers. This program allows drones to identify violent behavior in crowds. By assessing motions and postures, the program can spot violent acts such as kicking and punching, which are reported to police on the ground.
Disaster Management
In the same vein as AI drones for surveillance, drones are also used extensively in disaster management and search and rescue. Drones are the ideal tool for disaster situations. They can be deployed and retrieved quickly, and they can traverse disaster-affected areas that are inaccessible to ground teams.
Using drones, operators can locate survivors, provide updates to first responders, and deliver supplies to disaster areas. Adding AI into the mix will allow drones to perform these kinds of tasks with greater autonomy and accuracy.
Think of a drone that can automatically detect people stranded by storms or floodwaters without operator input. This doesn’t just reduce the workload on first responders; it means help can be delivered to people who need it in less time than ever, potentially saving lives.
Environmental Monitoring
Climate change is having a major impact on our world. Scientists are investing heavily in preserving the natural environment, and drones are a major part of those efforts. Drones are currently used extensively for environmental monitoring and animal conservation.
With the addition of AI, drones can automatically perform tasks like measuring changes in environments, identifying and counting animals, monitoring animal movements, and more. Projects like the NSW Wildlife Drone Hub are already training AI to identify animals in near real-time. This bolsters conservation efforts and helps us build a more sustainable future for the planet.
Conclusion
As AI technology continues to advance, the future of drone technology looks incredibly promising. The integration of AI into drone operations is not only transforming current applications but also paving the way for innovative uses across various industries.
With AI-driven insights and efficiencies, the possibilities for drones are endless, marking a new era of technological advancement and opportunity.