Research within Drones
The Faculty of Engineering鈥檚 research within drone technology contributes to smarter and visionary solutions for some of society鈥檚 biggest challenges.
We conduct interdisciplinary research in drone technologies and future drone applications within areas such as infrastructure inspection, precision agriculture, nature conservation, counter-drone and defense technology, and emergency management.
Our research focuses on drones as autonomous systems targeting key societal challenges and enabling future advancements within the field. This includes enabling drones to undertake long-term missions autonomously, designing novel human-drone interaction paradigms for systems with a high level of autonomy, achieving precise and reliable aerial manipulation, and advancing large-scale perception to equip drones with the ability to understand complex environments. Additionally, we are pioneering the integration of drones with other autonomous and cyber-physical systems to enhance their utility and to expand deployment possibilities.
The 糖果派对 UAS Test Center at HCA Airport functions as the innovation hub of the ; supports collaboration between research, innovation, and drone industry; and offe4rs access to UAS test facilities and provides consultancy in areas such as test program design, safety aspects of drone operations, operational procedures and SORAs.
Research areas
Aerial manipulation
Research in aerial manipulation seeks to enhance operational capabilities of drones beyond mere observation, incorporating robotic arms, grippers or similar mechanisms to allow for direct physical interaction in mid-air.
Autonomous systems
Research in drone autonomy is focused on safe integration of autonomous drone applications with manned aviation and with the environment in which the drone operates.
Computer vision
Research in the interpretation of drone images from outdoor environments, including agricultural fields, maritime environments, and biodiversity monitoring.
Digital electronics
Research in experimental autonomous aerial systems with onboard computing for real-time control, navigation and decision making. The research involves sensor development and integration, hardware acceleration, software interfaces, and energy harvesting.
Embodiment and ethics
Research in embodiment and ethics aims to create drones that are both effective and ethical by design, supporting the creation of drones for the benefit of society.
Human-machine interface
Research in human-machine interface covers the creation of innovative interfaces that allow precise control and monitoring of drones, enhancing operator situational awareness and drone responsiveness, while also lowering operator fatigue.
Drone mechatronics
Interdisciplinary drone mechatronics research focusing on the integration and manufacturing of drones at the mechatronic level, including mechanical design, rapid prototyping, composite materials, advanced mathematical modelling, aerodynamics, and guidance, navigation, and control.
Swarming
Research in the coordination and control of multiple drones working together, aimed at developing systems that allow drone swarms to autonomously perform tasks in a coordinated manner, enhancing efficiency over individual drones.
Aerial manipulation
Autonomous systems
Computer vision
Digital Electronics
Embodiment and ethics
Human-machine interface for drones
Drone mechatronics
Swarming
Last Updated 28.03.2025