Remote sensing with autonomous platforms
Drone, type TholegTHO-R-PX-8/12, version 2
Source: De La Rosa Fernandez, Roberto Alejandro
Autonomous platforms allow us to rapidly and efficiently deploy exploration sensors, such as hyperspectral sensors, in otherwise inaccessible regions. Uncrewed aerial vehicles (drones or drones) support high-resolution mapping of remote exploration areas, steep cliffs, or active open-pit mines. Terrestrial robots help to explore confined or hazardous spaces such as underground mines and tunnels. Besides raw materials’ exploration, we also use these platforms to monitor mine activities and their environmental impact over time.
For that, we aim to develop new research approaches to improve the use of sensors as payloads for autonomous platforms, such as:
- technical compatibility,
- ensuring data quality,
- rapid and autonomous processing of large datasets.
We also explore the potential of collaborative autonomous drone swarms that can perform different exploration tasks in parallel. To this end, we are developing strategies for:
- an adapted sensor design,
- autonomous path planning,
- real-time 3D data processing,
- improved autonomous navigation and mapping (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping - SLAM).
