Revenge of the quadrocopters: now they move in packs (video)

In case you didn't find the original quadrocopter chilling enough, the GRASP Lab out of the University of Pennsylvania has gone and added a bit of cooperative logic to the recipe so that now multiple little drones can work together. Also upgraded with a "claw-like" gripper that allows it to pick up and transport objects, the newer quadrocopter can team up on its prey payload with its buddies, all while maintaining its exquisite balance and agility. Skip past the break to see it on video.

[Ziv Posted Jul 13th 2010 7:58AM]

Knowing the physics of helicopters and the AI needed for swarm handling (in air!) each of these is quite a marvelous feat!

[Kangal Posted Jul 13th 2010 8:55AM]

@Ziv

No it is actually very simple. The microprocessor in your washing machine could handle it. The only problem is that transmission will deteriorate once the radio signal moves too far / too much radio traffic. This will cause some signal loss and some signal duplication, so one or more of the drones will be out of sync bumping into each other. Another big barrier is if it approaches a wind tunnel, the affected drones will be getting the right signal but the differed wind from the other drones (in the pack) will cause it to go off sync and again potentially bumping into each other.
Very interesting field indeed, and here's an inside scoop, WiMax is perfect for this job!

[Sherifftruman Posted Jul 13th 2010 8:33AM]

So, are these talking to each other and relaying positional and command data or simply all running the same commands at the same time?

[Geaux Posted Jul 13th 2010 9:19AM]

Sounds like Vuvuzelas ....

[raggywow Posted Jul 13th 2010 9:50AM]

Wow those things are truly amazing.

www.privacy-tools.es.tc

[ryn456 Posted Jul 13th 2010 10:19AM]

Who the hell woke up one morning and went "you know what my already terrifying robot quadrocopter need? Inter communication, team work and a claw."

[korbas12 Posted Jul 15th 2010 3:28PM]

@ryn456 Catherine Weaver

[Rainier Posted Jul 13th 2010 10:47AM]

...and at another University, a team of engineers are working on the world's biggest fly swatter.

[blueberry jones Posted Jul 13th 2010 10:51AM]

Pheonix lights explained?

[DoomLight Posted Jul 13th 2010 11:24AM]

Military Applications Abounds!

[lonepine Posted Jul 13th 2010 2:01PM]

@Gibson: didn't take long for "Muslim extremists" to get ahold of US Stinger missiles; won't be long before they get their hands on a Predator or Chinese knock-off. So this won't be any different.

[mmMTOASTY Posted Jul 13th 2010 2:08PM]

Prey- Michael Crichton
.imagine a swarm of these breaking into your house...

[JVzer0 Posted Jul 13th 2010 2:08PM]

that sound will haunt me

[Electrofreak Posted Jul 13th 2010 10:55PM]

I always feel like I've suddenly been transported into Half Life 2 or something when I watch videos of these things.

[lunared Posted Jul 13th 2010 11:13PM]

These things are going to ruin so many picnics..

[Eternal Density Posted Jul 15th 2010 7:20AM]

Manhacks!

This is pretty awesome actually.

[ChaskaCF Posted Aug 4th 2010 3:36PM]

imagine thousands of them coming from the bank to evict you from you home and using you to later fuel The Matrix!!! duh duh duuuhh!!