Chinese Scientists Test Laser-Assisted Drones That Stay In The Sky ‘Forever’

Scientists down at the Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) in China are thinking of ways to keep drones flying in the sky “forever.”

Drones are becoming an indispensable aid to humans, whether for military purposes, delivering goods, or even just trying to get a good picture. Unfortunately, they still need to be charged periodically and are not suited to be up in the skies for long bouts of time.
 
That could all change with this new study that fits photoelectric conversion modules onto the bodies of the small aircraft to convert light energy into electricity.
 
The team charged up the UAVs—which they refer to as optics-driven drones (ODD)—by aiming a high-energy laser right at them so that they could charge remotely. During the testing, the beam could track the drone’s flight pattern.
 
In order to locate the devices, the team developed a tracking algorithm with different efficiency levels in varying light and weather conditions. The researchers also produced an adaptive beam-shaping technology so that the laser could adjust its intensity and increase its transmission range.
 
This program is a 24-hour intelligent vision tracking system that can autonomously juice up the ODD from a long distance.
 
Moreover, a protection algorithm allows the laser to detect if an obstacle is in its way.
 
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) report, scientists believe such technology will be a boon in emergencies such as flash floods, where continuous flight will be needed to rescue people. Other places the ODD will be helpful will be for traffic control, security patrols, deliveries, social governance, and the military.

 
 
[via Interesting Engineering and South China Morning Post, Photo 10195449 © Colicaranica | Dreamstime.com]