4 September, 2024- The Indian Patent Office, Intellectual Property India, has granted a patent. The patent covers an intelligent autonomous landing system that operates from the air. Developed for small unmanned aerial drones. It identifies the geographical locations of landing sites. This works by analyzing a large number of photographs.
K. Senthil Kumar of the Dr. Kalam Advanced UAV Research Centre at MIT says the technology will be helpful. He feels it will have a huge impact. It will aid in the delivery and pickup of loads such as weapons, ammunition, medicines, and food. This is especially useful for armed forces. It is beneficial in hilly terrains and inaccessible border locations.
Existing UAVs land on predetermined, well-prepared flat platforms. His team’s method can locate a marker, such as colored clothing or an object. It can land in difficult terrain with uneven surfaces and slopes.
“When the system determines the landing spot, it collects position coordinates. It then uses these coordinates for landing. The UAV then lands on the target, even moving platforms. To boost accuracy, the system can use QR codes. The performance of the UAV landing mechanism improves. The system reduces landing time. The entire process takes place onboard. It employs AI and deep learning methods”. Dr. Senthil Kumar stated that the system is very useful. Designed for BVLOS applications.
He suggested that high-altitude logistics drones may use the UAV landing technology. It would aid border security forces in delivering crucial supplies to border stations. It would also contribute to disaster relief and rescue efforts. It would also make it easier to provide supplies in support of wartime operations. “We currently have UAVs capable of hovering up to 50-kilogram loads for 20 miles. Efforts are underway to increase the load to 100 kg and the flying distance to 50 kilometers”.
Dr. Senthil Kumar stated that the system might support civilian operations. This use goes beyond defensive, firefighting, and surveillance missions. It also handles shipping of goods in e-commerce. He described the development as a big breakthrough in drone technology. It would transform parcel delivery apps. The current delivery techniques relied on airdrops from specific altitudes.
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