Skyfusion

Autonomous navigation for drones, beyond GNSS

 

 

Skyfusion is an ambitious research and development project that seeks to create an autonomous navigation system for drones (UAVs). This system will allow drones to fly safely and efficiently, even in adverse situations where GPS signals are unavailable or weak. To achieve this, it utilizes an innovative combination of technologies:

• Advanced sensors: LiDAR, radar, ultraviolet (UV) sensors and shortwave infrared (SWIR) sensors.
• Artificial intelligence: Sensor fusion algorithms and autonomous navigation.
• Computer Vision: Visual Odometry (VSO) and LiDAR/RADAR Point Cloud Reconstruction.

The fusion of data from LiDAR, radar, UV, and SWIR sensors creates a complete picture of the environment, ensuring precise and safe navigation. This combination of technologies offers numerous advantages, such as:

• Greater autonomy: Drones will be able to operate in remote areas or in environments where GPS signal is limited.
• Greater safety: The system will guarantee flight stability and safety in all conditions.
• Greater efficiency: More efficient and sustainable air operations will be possible.
• Variety of conditions: The system will operate in a variety of conditions, day and night, fog and clouds, and in a variety of environments.

At ASENSE, we contribute our experience in the design and development of advanced optical systems, with a particular focus on the use of Doppler LiDAR sensors and their integration into an optical system optimized for UAVs.

 

 

Skyfusion will drive the development of safer, more efficient, and more versatile autonomous drones, opening up new possibilities for applications such as freight transport, infrastructure inspection, surveillance, security, and emergency response.

The project’s results are expected to culminate in a prototype that enables autonomous navigation both day and night, even in conditions of reduced visibility due to fog, clouds, and, in some cases, smoke, thus addressing a technical and functional need that has not yet been met. This replacement of manned operations with UAVs could reduce operating costs by eliminating the need for crews and optimize fuel consumption through more direct and efficient routes. Likewise, thanks to this project, it is hoped that autonomous aircraft will be able to safely and efficiently address operations that, to date, have been carried out by manned aircraft.

The Skyfusion project responds to the growing demand for unmanned aerial solutions that can operate in complex environments and without relying on ground-based infrastructure, paving the way for a future of safer and more efficient flight.

The experience and expertise of each consortium member are critical to the success of Skyfusion, a project that is making a difference in the autonomous navigation sector. At ASENSE, we are proud to be part of a project that drives innovation in the aerospace sector and contributes to creating a safer and more sustainable future.