The main objective of AERIAL-CORE is the development of innovative aerial robotics technologies and an integrated system resulting from the application of Artificial Intelligence. Particularly, we extended the operational range of the aerial robots, improved the performance of aerial manipulators involving force interactions, and increased safety in the interaction of aerial robots with people for applications such as the inspection and maintenance of large infrastructures.
AERIAL-CORE has been validated in Electrical Power Lines, which is a very challenging application with a strong impact
The research in cognitive functionalities included learning methods, sensor data fusion, accurate tracking of electrical lines, autonomous landing/perching, multi-sensor large-scale mapping and multi-UAV collaboration for long-endurance operation and development of simulators to test the above functionalities.
Research in new aerial platforms included vehicles with both fixed-wing and rotary-wing capabilities, fixed-wing vehicles capable of perching, morphing omnidirectional multi-rotor systems and fixed wing-flapping wing hybrid vehicles.
Moreover, the project researched robotic arms and end-effectors for aerial manipulation, including robotic manipulators with force interactions. It was demonstrated that, in some maintenance applications, the best approach is landing or perching on the line and rolling on the line to perform robotic manipulation that requires accuracy and important forces. We also developed new aerial manipulators with cognitive perception and planning functionalities. In parallel, augmented cognitive human-machine interfaces were developed.
The aerial-co-working research included the consideration of physical interaction, the cognition of human activities working in the lines, the human-aerial co-worker cognitive interaction and the coordination of a team of aerial co-workers.
The above research involved the development of different prototypes and experiments in medium and high-voltage lines, including physical contact with the line in tension.
We have also defined the Industrial Advisory Committee, consisting of 22 experts from 17 companies, including aerial platform integrators, technology developers and end-users. This committee provided feedback about the specifications and first developments of the project.
AERIAL-CORE produced top research results and prototypes with worldwide aerial robotic inspection and maintenance innovations.
