AI algorithm enables autonomous drones to do barrel rolls and flips

AI algorithm enables autonomous drones to do barrel rolls and flips

Drones teach themselves aerial acrobatics

Autonomous quadcopter drones can now perform the most intricate acrobatics. First, computer scientists let a neural-network-based algorithm learn the manoeuvres on a flight simulator. After a few hours of training, the virtual pilots were ready to do tricks such as barrel rolls and flips — as shown in an accompanying video — which are challenging even for experienced human drone operators. The training can help drones to fly better under normal circumstances, too.

New Atlas | 4 min readReference: Robotics Science and Systems conference paper and video