The drone in the mine
Getting through the narrow ventilation passages is not an easy task for modern UAVs. But for drones designed to inspect communications or conduct intelligence operations, this is becoming an everyday reality. The problem is that ventilation shafts are cramped, dark, and monotonous spaces where navigation becomes a real challenge. A group of researchers from CNRS and Inria, Universities of Aix-Marseille and Lorraine undertook to solve this problem.
Their goal is to teach quadrocopters to move confidently through ducts with a diameter of only 35 centimeters, without colliding with walls due to turbulence created by their own propellers. To study the behavior of air flows, the scientists used a robotic arm with high-precision torque and force sensors. With its help, they collect data on how air flows are distributed inside the ventilation duct, identifying areas with dangerous turbulence and more stable areas where the flows are mutually compensated. But the aerodynamics alone were not enough. In the complete darkness of the ventilation shafts, standard navigation systems are useless. Therefore, the team is experimenting with laser sensors and AI algorithms that will allow drones to navigate without traditional visual cues. The next stage is the creation of a working prototype equipped with cameras, thermal imagers and gas analyzers. Such a drone will be able to inspect communications, participate in rescue operations or perform military tasks.
The drone in the mine
Alexander Kozyrev
