The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Growth of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

AI software is empowering drones to become smarter and more autonomous.

FREMONT, CA: Over the years, the world has witnessed a surge in the production and usage of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAVs). The focus has shifted from initiating UAV programs to scaling them, with an expected growth rate of $43 billion in 2024 for the global drone market. The surge in non-militant usage has been ascribed to its proven efficiency and substantial investments by government agencies to integrate UAVs into response protocols.

These autonomous flying devices are improving their ability to recognize visuals as they capture and analyze their operational surroundings. Drones, equipped with AI technology, efficiently respond to disasters by delivering supplies to deprived areas and mapping post-disaster environments.

The integration of advanced AI algorithms facilitates increased processing power and enhanced accessibility to data transforming drone operation. The application usually takes place post-flight as the merging necessitates high computing power.

Drones assist humanitarians to gather high-resolution data rapidly. Owing to computer vision, UAVs extract meaningful information from the images they capture leading to innovative functions such as automated mapping, object/individual recognition, and motion analysis. When equipped with vision processing units, it captures close-up images from specific angles and, this combined with AI technology, helps detect structural damage in buildings.  AI computers and vision processing units contribute to the growth of the AI chips market by being the driving force behind automated drones. Neural computer chips further enable drones to conduct deep-learning calculations and perform image detection locally, without relying on an internet connection, while in flight.

Live situation monitoring is achieved with the help of AI through Real-time data analysis employing radio, mobile, and satellite communications. By using 5G technology, drones transmit live data for immediate damage assessment. Rapid evaluation of damage along with precise information gathering on a second-by-second basis significantly improves the effectiveness of response efforts after a disaster.

Mapping technology reduces the time for post-disaster damage assessment as well as enhances the efficiency and speed of response efforts. Facilitated by edge computing, drones equipped with processors and sensors process data locally. This allows rapid decision-making if clogged up by an obstacle or to activate an alert for additional attention.    Advancements in onboard AI offer improved flight paths, faster decision-making, and the ability to utilize sensors not available to humans.

The recent increase in drone use cases in civilian sectors is partly linked to advances in hardware technology including powerful batteries, quality of images, and capabilities of transporting ever heavier loads. As technology advances, the incorporation of AI into drone operations is progressing, presenting  a diverse array of applications.