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Autonomous control scheme for unmanned aerial vehicle flocks (Technion)

Summary: Semi-autonomous UAVs are able to pursue pre-designated targets in groups, or 'flocks'. When the communication with mission command is partially severed, a "leader" craft receives information from all other crafts and issues back commands. The leader must have a radio link with all other crafts to ensure proper flight formation and target assignment. Managing several UAVs involves processing large amounts of data. As a result, the program has to run on a remote computer. This setup makes intensive use of communications bandwidth. Radio disruptions between crafts, satellite communication delays, or even minor damage to the leader craft's systems can easily jeopardize the mission's objectives. Our technology improves on current methods by enabling a group of UAVs to be fully autonomous. Target management, navigation and collision avoidance are managed by the leader craft via hierarchical 'tree' network architecture. In case of radio disturbance, crafts regroup into smaller 'flocks' and later converge back into one. This increases the network's resilience and reduces the communications volumes inside the flock. Targets are managed via a distributed database, continuously updated and shared between all nodes of the flock. The tree leader assigns target groups to subtree leaders, which make individual target assignments to each craft. This increases flexibility in case a craft misses its target or runs out of ammunition.

Technology Benefits: Maintain formation and pursue targets without a link to the command center
• Superior resilience to radio and satellite communication disturbances and jamming
• Better response to rapidly moving targets and changing conditions
• Dynamic target allocation - automatically re-assigns missed targets
• Flight algorithm automatically maintains proper formation to prevent collisions
• Ammunition control ensures ammunition is used evenly among crafts
• Communications algorithm compensates for downed or malfunctioning crafts

Technology Application: Unmanned aerial vehicles for attack, guard, or reconnaissance missions.

ID No.: MAE-0791

Country/Region: Israel

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