German Aerospace Center explores using drones to sniff out hazardous gasses

Dec. 11, 2024
In the future, a network of autonomous robotic platforms could pinpoint the location of hazardous gases and predict their development in the atmosphere, offering critical support to emergency services, reports the German Aerospace Center.

COLOGNE, Germany - In the event of an accident involving dangerous substances, effective disaster management hinges on understanding precisely how these harmful substances move through the air. Such knowledge can mean the difference between life and death, helping emergency services to respond swiftly and take appropriate action. This is where the STARE (Swarm Technology for Autonomous Robotic Exploration) project, led by the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR), plays a pivotal role, reports the German Aerospace Center. Continue reading original article.

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

11 December 2024 - The STARE project, led by the DLR Institute of Communications and Navigation, aims to develop autonomous robot swarms for monitoring atmospheric gases. Inspired by the synchronised flight of starlings, these decentralised robotic systems combine advanced machine learning (ML) techniques with physical gas-dispersion models. Each robot, whether ground-based or aerial, is equipped with sensors to detect and predict the spread of airborne chemicals. By sharing data, the swarm can cover extensive areas, offering valuable insights for disaster response.

A standout feature of STARE is its integration of ML with physical models, enabling adaptive, real-time environmental exploration with minimal training data. This innovation supports the development of robots capable of navigating hazardous environments and delivering data for disaster relief.

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Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics

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