Flying swarm robots for disaster rescue services

A new autonomous flying robot is being developed at Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne which will be able to make faster quick and reliable wireless network quite useful in disaster-hit areas. This robot will work on swarm technology, the science of artificially mimicking the efficient collective behaviors of animal or insect colonies.

The research started with a fly-inspired artificial insect that could avoid hitting the walls and ground. Now the idea is to realize in outdoor in real-time scenario with enhanced wireless communication. The model is made up of lightweight plastic foam with a lithium battery-powered electric motor at the rear. These Micro Air Vehicles(MAVs) moves in auto pilot mode and avoid mid air collisions by communicating with each other.

Small flying robots have obvious advantages over temporary land-based network devices, negating problems with difficult terrain and line-of-sight communication and they don't rely on expensive sensors or radar equipment. Though there are still some modifications to be done before it gets deployed as a product, but once deployed they have got a wide range of application in defense, aerial photography, disaster recovery, mapping, environmental monitoring, rescue missions and various others. There is power issue as well as the batteries last only for 40-50 minutes but with the implementation of small solar panel, this limitation can be eliminated. 

You would surely like to have a look at this video demonstrating the flying robots. Get ready to see flying swarm robot teams in the air in maximum 2-3 years.