Since 1917, when testing for the first drone happened, drone technology has developed to staggering levels. Of course, that has to do with the more software advancements.
However, the more recent innovation has been artificial intelligence. In the past, all drones could do was fly and take pictures with their cameras. The advent of artificial intelligence has changed that now.
Not only can drones map out their flight paths, but they can also track objects and provide real-time analytical feedback.
How does artificial intelligence work for drones, though? We examine all that in this article, so do read on.
How Does AI Work for Autonomous Drone Navigation?
As of 2021, there were about 1,782,479 registered drones. While hard to tell, the chances of these drones using artificial intelligence are pretty good. The reason is quite simple: Ai makes drones more efficient by enabling automatic drone navigation. Just like it does with any other technology.
How does artificial intelligence work for drones, though? Two words. Computer vision. Drones can either fly via remote control or autonomously.
Computer vision, a subdivision of artificial intelligence, allows drones to map flight paths from images, video, and other visual inputs.
Instead of drones only taking recreational pictures or videos, they now have neural systems that process this visual data and help in navigation.
Smart drones have high-resolution cameras, LIDAR, and thermal imaging sensors to collect visual data. The sensors enable the drones to feel their surroundings and navigate safely.
Since artificial intelligence systems learn fast, they also enable the drone to react in split seconds. That’s how autonomous flying drones know to avoid hitting physical features on their flight path.
So good are the applications of computer vision technology in drones that Amazon is testing the delivery of products with the help of drones. Of course, the packages must be small for the drones to deliver them safely.
Here is a video of how the Amazon drone delivery system works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzhvR4wm__M&ab_channel=TechVision
As computer vision improves, we will keep having better drones capable of navigating tricky areas autonomously. This could be the best time yet to invest in a smart drone.
Let’s see some use cases of computer vision technology in drones to drive the point home further.
AI and Drone Navigation: Use Cases and Examples
1. Monitoring Construction Projects
The FIFA world cup held in Qatar late last year brought dangerous working conditions for construction workers to the fore. There are claims over 6000 workers could have died.
While drones can’t help stop all the deaths from construction, they can help reduce the occurrences. The construction industry uses drones to collect data and monitor construction parts dangerous for human workers.
2. Agricultural Monitoring
The agricultural industry is using drones in various ways. Drones can disseminate plant seeds or pesticides over a wide area faster than humans. They will also do it more cheaply than a helicopter would.
The agricultural industry is also using drones to collect crop data. This data helps agriculturalists know the environmental effects on the crops and their maturation periods.
Ai will thus increase the efficiency of the drones and thus increase crop yields.
3. Military and Defense Drones
The military is often the first to implement technological changes that might confer an advantage over an enemy. Military and defense drones are some of the most advanced.
The drones work in surveillance missions deemed too dangerous for human soldiers. Drones, by their small size, are stealthier than humans and could thus reduce cases of human casualties.
The military has also used drones to map out areas to inform strategy.
4. Search and Rescue Missions
Drones could be immense in natural disaster areas in searching for trapped victims. They can get closer than helicopters and have cameras that will quickly help to identify victims.
AI drones can also work well in tracking escape vehicles. Human eyesight cannot compare patterns due to haste. Also, sometimes they are prone to bias.
However, drones with AI systems wouldn’t have that bias.
5. E-commerce
This has been the most widely publicized use of drones. E-commerce giant Amazon started testing its drone delivery system in 2022. Drones have tremendous potential to take over delivery tasks and save costs.
Just what that means for the human workforce remains to be seen, though.
The Ethical Considerations of Using AI In Drones
Several ethical considerations should be taken into account when using artificial intelligence (AI) in drones, including:
1. Privacy Concerns
Data privacy is one of the biggest concerns when drones fly over areas. Drones with AI systems can collect a large amount of data on individuals, including their movements and activities.
While there is potential for this data to work for the greater good, privacy risks still exist. That’s why it is essential to consider how this data is used and stored. Appropriate measures need to be in place to protect the privacy of individuals.
2. Safety Concerns for Individuals
As welcome as autonomous navigation drones are issues are sure to abound. Like with privacy, the potential for misuse of drones in a way that endangers people is relatively high. Ai drones could malfunction, or someone could use them in a way that threatens public safety. Sufficient safety measures should be in place to mitigate these risks.
3. Dangerous Autonomy Levels
As AI systems become more advanced, there is a risk that drones could become fully autonomous and operate without human intervention. (Rise of the robots, maybe?
Autonomous and intelligent drones could raise ethical concerns about accountability and responsibility in the event of an accident or other unintended consequences. In a world where everyone is ducking responsibility, that could become an enormous problem.
4. The Potential for Bias
AI systems, like the humans that design them, can sometimes exhibit bias. If you train an AI system with biased data, then it will give you limited results.
How do you control the Ai drones if they show inherent bias? By designing and training drone AI systems to minimize the potential for bias.
5. Transparency Concerns
If anyone can purchase a drone, we could have issues where some people use drones for nefarious reasons. Transparency in AI drones’ use could help prevent the malicious use of drones. This will help to build trust and ensure that the use of AI in drones is fair and ethical.
The Bottom Line
AI can help a drone learn from its environment, map out unfamiliar territory, or customize its flight plan in response to a changing environment.
Thanks to AI and autonomous drone navigation drone start-ups can reduce costs and even make drones more efficient. But the technology is still relatively new. It needs a lot of work before we can see AI’s benefits in drone navigation. The technology still needs a little work, but it’s heading in the right direction.
Do you see artificial intelligence as a way to improve drone autonomy and behavior? If you do, we can help you incorporate AI into drone technology.
Reach out to our experts, and we’ll gladly offer all our help.
