Scientists from St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University in Russia have developed a compact drone for search and rescue operations using computer vision. The drone can detect objects based on specific criteria, such as the color of a missing person’s jacket, etc.
“With the help of 3D printing, we have created the first model of a compact drone that can, with the help of video cameras, recognize objects with minimal possible error,” the scientists said.
They added: “It will be possible to use such drones with machine vision not only in the field of search and rescue, but also in scanning power lines to determine the locations of faults, as well as in monitoring and protecting a specific area, noting that it is planned to invent an automatic control system for a squadron of these drones.”
For his part, Alexander Bautin, the project supervisor, explained that the innovation aims to raise the level of search and rescue operations in all weather conditions, meaning that the goal is not just to invent a drone, but to invent a chip that contains fixed basic programs to which new standards can be added.
It is worth noting that drones are widely used in search and study operations in the required area, but the currently available drone operator may need to exert effort and time to carry out search and rescue missions.