We have written about a number of Kinect hacks here on Geeky Gadgets over the past weeks since the Kinect’s launch. But this Autonomous AR.Drone Hack by the team over at Hybrid Systems lab in the University of California has to be my favorite to date.
The team has added a Kinect motion controller and a 1.6GHz Atom Ubuntu computer to a Quadrocopter to allow it to now calculate its surroundings and fly without human intervention. Watch the video after the jump to see the hack in action.
Innovative Use of Kinect Technology
The team’s Pelican quadricopter is currently being used on another project but has been modified and is now capable of mapping the terrain around itself using the Kinect device. This allows it to avoid any obstacles in its path. The Kinect sensor, originally designed for gaming, has proven to be a versatile tool for various applications beyond its intended use. By leveraging its depth-sensing capabilities, the team has enabled the drone to create a 3D map of its environment in real-time.
The hack also uses a Vicon motion-capture system to control lateral and yaw movement and also acts as a backup for the Kinect’s altitude data should that fail at any time. The Vicon system is typically used in motion capture for film and video games, but in this context, it provides an additional layer of precision and reliability. This dual-system approach ensures that the drone can maintain stable flight and navigate complex environments even if one system encounters issues.
Potential Applications and Future Developments
This innovative hack opens up numerous possibilities for the future of autonomous drones. For instance, such technology could be used in search and rescue missions where human intervention is risky or impossible. The ability to navigate autonomously through hazardous environments could save lives and provide critical information in disaster scenarios.
Moreover, the integration of Kinect technology with drones could revolutionize industries such as agriculture, where drones could autonomously monitor crop health and optimize farming practices. In urban settings, autonomous drones could be used for infrastructure inspection, reducing the need for manual inspections and increasing safety and efficiency.
The team at Hybrid Systems lab is continually working on improving the system’s capabilities. Future developments may include enhancing the drone’s decision-making algorithms, allowing it to perform more complex tasks autonomously. Additionally, integrating other sensors and technologies, such as thermal imaging or LiDAR, could further expand the drone’s functionality and application range.
Via Slashgear Via Hybrid Systems lab
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