Carnegie Mellon Develops Agile UAV

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh have equipped an unmanned rotorcraft with the ability to fly at low altitudes, navigate tight spaces and avoid almost imperceptible obstacles. The helicopter utilizes a pre-loaded 3-D map to circumvent large obstacles, like buildings and bridges. A 3-D laser scanner detects inconspicuous barriers, such as power lines from as far away as 500 ft. Unmanned aerial vehicles with such capabilities could assist in urban military efforts, search-and-rescue operations and eventually earn authorization to fly in civilian airspace. For related news