Researchers at Purdue University (located in West Lafayette, Indiana, United States) have demonstrated an autonomous UAV capable of tracking a person moving through dense forests without GPS, preloaded maps, or cloud connectivity. The UAV, developed by the universities' Idea Lab, combines artificial intelligence, 3D mapping, LiDAR-based localization and real-time traffic prediction to navigate obstacles and maintain a pursuit even when its target temporarily disappears behind trees. The technology has significant military potential, particularly for surveillance, reconnaissance and surveillance personnel in GPS-enabled environments. The research team, led by Professor Aniket Bera, secured a separate five-year, $1.5 million US military agreement in November 2025 to develop autonomous air and ground systems capable of operating in hostile terrain. The demonstration marks progress towards autonomous UAVs that can operate independently in complex environments without external navigation support.

Researchers at Purdue University (located in West Lafayette, Indiana, United States) have demonstrated an autonomous UAV capable of tracking a person moving through dense forests without GPS, preloaded maps, or cloud connectivity. The UAV, developed by the universities' Idea Lab, combines artificial intelligence, 3D mapping, LiDAR-based localization and real-time traffic prediction to navigate obstacles and maintain a pursuit even when its target temporarily disappears behind trees. The technology has significant military potential, particularly for surveillance, reconnaissance and surveillance personnel in GPS-enabled environments. The research team, led by Professor Aniket Bera, secured a separate five-year, $1.5 million US military agreement in November 2025 to develop autonomous air and ground systems capable of operating in hostile terrain. The demonstration marks progress towards autonomous UAVs that can operate independently in complex environments without external navigation support.