Purdue University researchers have demonstrated an autonomous UAV capable of tracking a person moving through dense forests without GPS or cloud connectivity. The UAV uses 3D LiDAR mapping, built-in AI and real-time traffic prediction to navigate obstacles and maintain tracking even when its target disappears behind trees. The technology has significant military applications, particularly for tracking and eliminating enemy personnel, reconnaissance and autonomous operations in GPS-denied environments. Pardos IDEAS Lab also holds a $1.5 million US Army research agreement to develop autonomous air and ground systems capable of operating in hostile terrain.

Purdue University researchers have demonstrated an autonomous UAV capable of tracking a person moving through dense forests without GPS or cloud connectivity. The UAV uses 3D LiDAR mapping, built-in AI and real-time traffic prediction to navigate obstacles and maintain tracking even when its target disappears behind trees. The technology has significant military applications, particularly for tracking and eliminating enemy personnel, reconnaissance and autonomous operations in GPS-denied environments. Pardos IDEAS Lab also holds a $1.5 million US Army research agreement to develop autonomous air and ground systems capable of operating in hostile terrain.