Collaborative Sensing by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

W. T. L. Teacy, J. Nie, S. McClean, G. Parr, S. Hailes, S. Julier, N. Trigoni, S. Cameron

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

In many military and civilian applications, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provide an indispensable platform for gathering information about the situation on the ground. In particular, they have the potential to revolutionize the way in which information is collected, fused and disseminated. These advantages are greatly enhanced if swarms of multiple UAVs are used, since this enables the collection of data from multiple vantage points using multiple sensors. However, enhancements to overall operational performance can be realised only if the platforms have a high degree of autonomy, which is achieved through machine intelligence. With this in mind, we report on our recently launched project, SUAAVE (Sensing, Unmanned, Autonomous, Aerial VEhicles), which seeks to develop and evaluate a fully automated sensing platform consisting of multiple UAVs. To achieve this goal, we will take a multiply disciplinary approach, focusing on the complex dependencies that exist between tasks such as data fusion, ad-hoc wireless networking, and multi-agent co-ordination. In this position paper, we highlight the related work in this area and outline our agenda for future work.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication3rd International Workshop on Agent Technology for Sensor Networks
Pages13-16
Number of pages4
Publication statusPublished - May 2009
Event3rd international workshop on agent technology for sensor networks - Budapest, Hungary
Duration: 12 May 2009 → …

Workshop

Workshop3rd international workshop on agent technology for sensor networks
Country/TerritoryHungary
CityBudapest
Period12/05/09 → …

Keywords

  • UAV
  • UAV swarms
  • sensor networks
  • decentralized control

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