3D Sensor to Prevent UAV Collisions Developed

Investigators from the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS, in Duisburg, Germany, may have just made law enforcement agencies' dreams come true. They have recently developed a 3D sensor camera that enables small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to fly without hitting each other.

The camera has outstanding specifications. It is able to detect and identify small objects, measuring as little as 20 by 15 centimeters (7.8 by 5.9 inches), from as much as 7 meters (23 feet) away, the team reveals. The sensors can also be used in conjunction with 3D street imaging systems, experts add.

The IMS team says that outfitting small UAV with their new system would enable the former to execute intricate aerial maneuvers and acrobatics, while at the same time remaining within a minimal safety range from each other.

UAV swarms are touted as the next big thing for a variety of security, intelligence-gathering, search-and-rescue and monitoring applications, so it's understandable that relevant institutions around the world are watching systems such as this one with great interest.