07 OCTOBER 2024
Why drones don't crash into each other (Part 2/2)
Discover how the trajectories of the drone swarm are calculated to avoid any collision during our shows.
Having covered the choice of flight zone and the process of creating the show, we'll explore two further methods of ensuring that our drones avoid collisions.
1 - RTK GNSS technology
Our UAVs use RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) technology, which we chose for our UAVs because, unlike standard GNSS systems which offer an accuracy of around one meter, RTK GNSS enables localization to centimeter accuracy.
What's more, RTK GNSS works by transmitting real-time corrections from our control station to each drone via our radio links.
Thanks to the positional accuracy provided by RTK GNSS, the flight control algorithms can dynamically adjust the trajectories of each drone in relation to the others, ensuring smooth synchronization and preventing unplanned intersections.
Another advantage of this technology is that it enables precise navigation even in environments where signals can be disrupted, such as near large structures or in areas with a lot of electromagnetic interference.
2 - Contingency safeguards
Our drones are also equipped with additional safety systems to ensure their smooth operation.
If a drone detects a malfunction via its sensors, the control station immediately informs the remote pilot via its interface.
From this interface, the remote pilot can make a number of decisions, depending on the seriousness of the problem:
- Let the drone continue its mission if the anomaly is minor;
- Initiate a vertical landing so that the drone quickly returns to the ground;
- Order an automatic return to the take-off position;
- Shut down the engines in an emergency.
For example, in the event of rapid battery loss, the drone's algorithm will trigger an emergency landing to prevent a failure causing a collision with other drones, thus preserving the integrity of the swarm.
These automatisms apply to various scenarios, such as when the drone deviates from its GPS trajectory, when its inclination with respect to the ground exceeds a critical limit, or when the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) detects an anomaly.
Our drones do not collide with each other, thanks to the hard work of our teams, who work every day to guarantee safety and prevent accidents.
This rigorous work is deployed at every stage of the process: it begins with the manufacture of the drones, with the installation of their automated systems, continues with the meticulous choice of the flight zone, and is then integrated into the artistic design of the show.
During flight, RTK GNSS technology and safety procedures, both autonomous and piloted, ensure optimal control. We make sure that every show is safe from A to Z, allowing the audience to enjoy the show in complete peace of mind.
