Minihelicopter Flies Autonomously

At Siemens, researchers are progressively teaching the quadrocopter how to see. The unmanned system measures almost one meter in diameter and is equipped with four rotors. When in flight, it uses lasers to scan its surroundings. Optical sensors and video cameras record every detail. 

In a process known as "supervised learning," such systems are initially primed with hundreds of thousands of images, thereby imitating the process whereby a child learns to distinguish, say, a tree from an antenna mast on the basis of having already seen a countless number of objects. Intelligent algorithms then search these images for characteristic features. On this basis, the quadrocopter is able to compile a precise 3D digital model of its surroundings in areas such as baggage-handling facilities, factory buildings, or event venues for the purposes of construction planning or building inspection. In the future the aircraft can fly routine operations to inspect largely inaccessible installations such as wind power plants and electricity pylons. 

In other projects at a number of its research and development facilities, Siemens is also developing systems that are able to scan aireal images for complex patterns such as industrial sites, buildings, or roads; examine X-ray images of baggage and shipping containers for suspicious objects; identify and read road signs; and monitor crowds