How does the Moscow Aviation Institute's new drone navigation system work without GPS?

It uses a combination of computer vision, inertial sensors, and AI to analyze its surroundings and map terrain, allowing it to determine its position.

What is the main advantage of MAI's autonomous navigation technology?

Its key advantage is seamless integration into the drone's flight controller and scalability for various drone types and missions.

When is the MAI autonomous drone navigation project expected to be completed?

The project is planned to be fully realized in the second quarter of 2026.

Home / Technology / Drones Navigate Without GPS Using AI Vision

Drones Navigate Without GPS Using AI Vision

20 Jan

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Summary

Drones can navigate without GPS using computer vision.
AI analyzes video streams to detect people in real-time.
System is scalable for various drone types and tasks.

Drones Navigate Without GPS Using AI Vision

Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) is creating an innovative autonomous navigation system designed to enable drones to operate reliably even when GPS signals are unavailable. This advanced technology integrates algorithms, cameras, and sensors for spatial navigation, complemented by a neural network that analyzes video streams to detect people.

The system employs visual-inertial navigation based on SLAM, allowing drones to construct their own maps and maintain accurate positioning through complex maneuvers and GPS loss. Developed by a team of MAI students, the core innovation lies in machine learning algorithms that not only facilitate navigation but also enable real-time human detection.

This MAI solution offers distinct advantages over existing systems, which often require expensive hardware or operate as separate, less integrated units. The MAI project embeds navigation directly into a custom flight controller for enhanced stability and reliability. The technology is designed to be scalable, adaptable for various unmanned aircraft systems and tasks, including monitoring remote locations and surveying infrastructure.