Drones exchange data like fireflies with new technology

Researchers have developed a new way to realize information transmission between drones by imitating firefly communication. It's the latest technological advancement in drone efficiency and stability.

The use of drone storms has become widespread in industries including aerial performance, express logistics, agriculture and urban transportation, thanks to their ability to exchange information to interact and work collaboratively.

Previously, such information exchanges mainly relied on radio communication, which is susceptible to electromagnetic interference.

The School of Artificial Intelligence, OPtics and ElectroNics of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, recently cooperated with China Telecom to develop a new technology based on optical communication and intelligent information processing.

By emitting light signals from lighting devices on one drone and capturing them with light sensors on another drone for intelligent analysis, they achieved short-distance information transmission similar to how fireflies use blinking lights to communicate, enabling collaborative flight between drones based on optical links.

Light signal transmission is not affected by electromagnetic interference. Its low emission power and minimal heat production make it suitable for small drones with limited energy capacity.