Drone Mothership Unleashes Mini-Drones For Search and Rescue
A groundbreaking advancement in drone technology has given rise to a novel duo—a miniature drone and its accompanying mother ship — designed to play pivotal roles in search and rescue missions.
The Drone Mother Ship Concept
The centerpiece of this innovative technology is the “drone mother ship,” a versatile aerial vehicle capable of deploying smaller “worker bee” drones precisely where they are needed most.
According to New Scientist, the “MorphoLander” is this hybrid drone’s official moniker, aptly describing its multifaceted capabilities. It can gracefully soar through the skies, land on challenging terrains, and navigate rough landscapes on foot. Additionally, it possesses the unique ability to dispatch diminutive drones from its rear compartment—an invaluable asset for search-and-rescue endeavors.
Addressing Battery Life Challenges
While the “MorphoLander” boasts impressive versatility, its larger size comes with a limitation—its battery life is relatively short, lasting a mere 12 minutes. However, the smaller drones it carries offer extended flight times, making them ideal for separate mission tasks.
Dzmitry Tsetserukou and a team of researchers at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology in Moscow, Russia, conceptualized and constructed the “MorphoLander.” Their goal was to address a prominent challenge in drone-based search-and-rescue operations—limited battery life.
The MorphoLander’s Exceptional Design
The “MorphoLander” boasts four articulated legs, enabling it to land on uneven and rugged terrains while maintaining a stable posture. It can even traverse such challenging landscapes on foot, ensuring access to hard-to-reach areas. Furthermore, its vertical takeoff capability, reminiscent of a helicopter, is made possible by its substantial rotors.
Extending the Reach and Duration of Search-and-Rescue Missions
Their constrained battery life is a primary obstacle in using drones for search-and-rescue missions. Smaller drones, designed explicitly for accessing remote or challenging locations, tend to have even shorter battery capacities.
Consequently, their ability to remain aloft for extended periods is curtailed, diminishing their effectiveness in locating and rescuing needy individuals.
The “MorphoLander” and its integrated drone system represent a significant leap forward in overcoming this limitation. By ferrying smaller, long-lasting drones to areas of interest, this innovative technology aims to extend the duration and efficiency of search-and-rescue operations, ultimately enhancing the chances of saving lives.
Read more: Drone Research Center Takes Autonomous Building Repairs To The Skies.
