A drone with sensors flies over Banwol National Industrial Complex in Ansan, 40 kilometers southwest of Seoul. (Yonhap)
GWANGJU, April 1 (Korea Bizwire) — The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, a state-run science university, has developed new technology that allows drones to land on moving vehicles.
The collaboration between flying drones and running vehicles could greatly expand the scope of their respective missions.
In particular, given that it is difficult to create a large landing zone on the roofs of most vehicles, it is important to ensure that drones are able to accurately sense and safely land in small landing areas.
The new technology makes use of hemispheric-type infrared light markers on the vehicle to guide the drone so that it can autonomously follow the vehicle and then land.
The research team arranged hemispheric-type infrared ray LEDs on the marker, enabling the drone to sense the infrared light generated by the marker and land on the vehicle.
The drone is mounted with the infrared ray camera. The newly-developed hemispheric-type infrared ray LED generates infrared light with a high penetration rate.
Accordingly, even when the marker is covered obstacles such as leaves or plastic bags, the infrared light generated by the marker can be sensed by the drone’s infrared ray camera, ensuring its safe landing.
In addition, it can be used for an extended period of time since it employs a metallic heat sink and cooling fan with high heat conductivity.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
