Autonomous navigation with drones - from technology to societal benefit

Important results from the project

Autonomous drone navigation (Autonav) requires reliable localization. Innovair ´s "Autonav" project tries to supplement satellite technologies. e.g., GPS, with visual methods. This project handles one of Vinnova´s "dimensions": Technology, products and processes. The Vinnova project reported here, on the other hand, deals with the other Vinnova "dimensions": - Business models and procurement; - Infrastructure; - Policy and regulations; and - Behaviour, culture and values. The Vinnova project is about how to use Autonav technologies, and how to overcome usage hindrances.

Expected long term effects

In its report, the project describes the need for Autonav technologies, as well as obstacles for the technology to be used. Furthermore, the project has indicated, to the best of its ability, how these obstacles can be overcome, in which areas solutions should be sought, and which authorities should "own" the issues identified. The expected effect of the report is to contributes to clarifying opportunities, problems and solutions to the authorities concerned. These authorities already try to take steps to furhter societal utilization of the autonav technology.

Approach and implementation

Three Swedish companies co-operated in the project. - Spacemetric (image data processing and management); - Origon (UAV manufacturer); and - E.ON (energy company). Swedish authorities using UAVs, i.a., the Swedish Police and the Swedish Armed Forces, were interviewed to map user needs and use cases, focussing on applications over longer distances, e.g. power line inspections and search operations. The project also identified barriers to the use of Autonav technologies, identifying ways to address these barriers. The project was carried out during between March and October 2022.