Autodidactic Helicopters

The Smart Quadrocopter Learns from Its Mistakes to Score

The Institute for Dynamic Systems and Control (IDSC), located in Zurich, Switzerland, has developed a new smart quadrocopter that is equipped with learning abilities.

A quadrocopter, also known as a quadrotor, is an aircraft that is powered by four propellers. IDSC demonstrates the smart quadrocopter's learning capabilities by attaching attaches three of them to a net and playing ball. The aircrafts can toss and easily catch the ball. Each copter works in conjunction with the other like a team, readjusting the tension on the new with every toss. When it comes time to throw the ball into the designated area, the quadrocopter initially fails, but it's evident that the algorithm that IDSC implemented shows that the machine is "learn[ing] from experience" as it inches closer each time and eventually succeeds.
Trend Themes
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2. Learning Algorithms - Advancements in learning algorithms for quadrocopters can lead to disruptive innovation in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.
3. Team Coordination - The demonstration of quadrocopters working as a team opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in collaborative robotics and swarm intelligence.
Industry Implications
1. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles - The development of smart quadrocopters with learning abilities can disrupt the unmanned aerial vehicle industry by enabling more efficient, autonomous and intelligent drones.
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3. Robotics - The demonstration of quadrocopters working as a team highlights opportunities for disruptive innovation in collaborative robotics, where robots can cooperate and coordinate tasks effectively.

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