Intelligent Algorithms for Mission Protection of UAVs

The general objective of this research effort is the design, development, and proof-of-concept demonstration through simulation and flight tests of intelligent algorithms for mission protection of aerial systems. The goal is to develop a UAV research platform with fully autonomous capabilities that would support broad areas of guidance, navigation and control technologies. This includes sensor fusion, vision-aid navigation, modeling and simulation of aerospace systems.

Intelligent Systems have been developed, implemented and tested in flight test using a 3DR quadcopter testbed. Through an autonomous decision-making process, the vehicle is capable of re-planning its trajectory in real time. Few capabilities the vehicle has are unknown obstacle avoidance, re-planning capabilities due to low battery in the system, re-planning capabilities if the system has an internal failure, and more.

Further testing and design is in progress for a more robust autonomous intelligent system.