The research team led by Prof. Huang Hailong, Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering has been awarded a Silver Medal at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo). This prestigious event saw the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) achieve a total of 36 accolades, showcasing its strong commitment to innovation on the global stage.
The project, "Last-centimetre Drone Delivery in Urban Environments," addresses the challenges of drone flight in urban areas where Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) services are often unreliable. This innovation combines advanced hardware and algorithms, enabling drones to autonomously deliver parcels directly to apartment balconies using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology.
Key features of this project include:
- Advanced Perception Algorithm: This allows for precise localization of both the drone and the balcony, significantly enhancing landing accuracy.
- LiDAR-based Obstacle Detection: The algorithm operates without pre-training, making it versatile and adaptable to various urban scenarios.
- Robust Control Algorithm: This ensures stability and safety, enabling precise navigation even in challenging conditions like wind.
This comprehensive solution integrates cutting-edge technologies for perception, obstacle detection, and control, facilitating seamless parcel delivery and safe drone operation in complex urban environments.
