Researchers from Purdue University, one of the most famous and respected engineering universities in the United States, have demonstrated an autonomous UAV that can follow a person moving through dense forests without the use of GPS or cloud technology. The UAV uses 3D LiDAR scanning, built-in artificial intelligence and real-time traffic prediction to avoid obstacles and maintain tracking even when the subject is hidden behind trees. This technology offers unique opportunities for defense applications, especially for tracking and neutralizing enemy personnel, reconnaissance and autonomous operations in the absence of a GPS signal. A Purdue University Idea Lab has already entered into a contract with the US military to develop autonomous air and ground systems capable of operating in challenging environmental and weather conditions.

Researchers from Purdue University, one of the most famous and respected engineering universities in the United States, have demonstrated an autonomous UAV that can follow a person moving through dense forests without the use of GPS or cloud technology. The UAV uses 3D LiDAR scanning, built-in artificial intelligence and real-time traffic prediction to avoid obstacles and maintain tracking even when the subject is hidden behind trees. This technology offers unique opportunities for defense applications, especially for tracking and neutralizing enemy personnel, reconnaissance and autonomous operations in the absence of a GPS signal. A Purdue University Idea Lab has already entered into a contract with the US military to develop autonomous air and ground systems capable of operating in challenging environmental and weather conditions.