Miniaturized Flow Sensors to Improve Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operation
- Detailed Technology Description
- KAUST has developed a unique sensor system that significantly improves maneuverability for small UAVs, enabling them to fly low to the ground and in poor weather conditions.
- *Abstract
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Innovators at KAUST have developed a novel method for using small, non-intrusive sensors to measure critical aircraft flight parameters for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This technology dramatically improves UAV maneuverability and control, making it safer to fly low to the ground and in turbulent weather. The sensors measure airspeed and angle of attack (AOA), which must be controlled to avoid stalling and crashing. Conventional aircraft rely on pitot tubes and wind vanes for these fundamental measures, but their large size makes it difficult to adapt them for use on the emerging generation of small UAVs. The KAUST-developed technology uses microcantilevers to gather airflow information. The increased stall avoidance and control allows UAVs to operate under all weather conditions.
- Country/Region
- USA
