Caltech unit creates AI helping drones to withstand violent winds

Caltech researchers are developing a drone with rapidly reacting artificial intelligence (AI) capacities that allow it to adapt in flight to extreme wind similar to tornado or hurricane conditions.

A team of engineers at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena built their wind resisting drone around what they’re calling “Neural Fly” – a deep learning, quick response application to changing wind conditions.

The tech operates from a relatively limited amount of flight data previously gathered in blustery conditions. The onboard AI works from and builds on that pre-programmed information to respond to gusts its host UAV encounters. The system recalculates otherwise destabilizing surrounding airstream five times per second, enabling the craft to shift motor and path activity in ways that can withstand blasts of changing power and direction.

The potential benefits of the innovation are not restricted to responders or monitors of extreme events…