Researchers from RMIT University have developed a new system, which allows drone to communicate with air traffic controllers.
Called talking drone, the technology is part of research, which aims to tackle safety and efficiency associated with drones and air traffic management.
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The project is a partnership of RMIT, Thales Australia and its Centre for Advanced Studies in Air Traffic Management (CASIA), and UFA.
The technology could facilitate full integration of unmanned aircraft systems into civil airspace. The system allows drone interaction with an air traffic controller using ATVoice, UFA’s voice recognition and response technology.
RMIT unmanned aircraft systems research team leader Reece Clothier said: "Our project aimed to develop and demonstrate an autonomous capability that would allow a drone to verbally interact with air traffic controllers.
"Using the system we’ve developed, an air traffic controller can talk to, and receive responses from, a drone just like they would with any other aircraft."
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataThe project team completed flight-testing of a prototype system in late 2014, and demonstrated integration to Thales’ TopSky air traffic control system.
Researchers are conducting further tests to explore issues related to automation of drone and air traffic controller communications.
The drones segment is the fastest growing in the aviation industry, and is expected to record sales of $6bn worldwide this year, RMIT University said.
