Optics for Drones: Capturing Wildlife and Tracking with Infrared Sensors
An optical drone dips low in front of a herd of antelope, gathering stunning footage for a new documentary. Equipped with advanced optics for drones mounted securely in its unobtrusive body, it is capable of taking high-quality imagery even under unfavorable environmental conditions.
Later in the evening another drone, fitted with infrared sensors, might be sent out by the same research team. Its mission: determine where, in this desert region, large herds of animals are gathered. IR sensor work relies on the infrared light emitted by warm bodies.
The technology behind aerial drones, also known as unmanned aerial flight devices, has taken off in recent years. Drones are lighter, higher powered, and more maneuverable than ever before. Optics for drones have also seen great advances, and have the potential to take high-quality machine vision into arenas that have never been open to such surveillance. Passive infrared sensors Here we’ll look at what it takes to put together an effective optical system for a drone. But first, what are drones actually used for?