Search and Rescue Using Multiple Drones in Post-Disaster Situation

We present the development and application of multiple autonomous aerial vehicles in urban search and rescue missions. The missions are designed by the 2014 International Micro Aerial Vehicle Competition, held in Delft, the Netherlands, August 2014. Different mission tasks are identified for search and rescue missions, such as aerial photography, low altitude flight in urban environment, indoor navigation and rooftop landing. These tasks are all of paramount importance for rescuers in a disaster-hit place. We have designed a team of micro aerial vehicles with specific configurations to meet the mission requirements. A range of key technologies have been developed, including robust controller design, real-time map stitching, indoor navigation and roof-top perching. The proposed solutions are successfully demonstrated in the competition.