Researcher

• [ Project Leader, Professor* ] Yoshifumi Kitamura

Research Activities

Drones have been playing an increasingly active role in recent years, but their utilization requires consideration of sustainability and accessibility. In order to realize a symbiotic society, this study addresses the following three issues to develop key technologies for the utilization of drones that can be used by anyone by introducing an open source framework and environmentally friendly technologies.

Research topics

(1) Multiple drone control and interactive technologies

We examine algorithms for swarm control of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and water drones. We also examine efficient methods of sensing three-dimensional and acoustic spaces using multiple UAVs. Furthermore, we investigate interaction methods that enable users without expertise or piloting skills to operate multiple drones intuitively and accurately.

(2) Behavior control technologies for coexistence of humans and crows

We examine methods to control and guide the behavior of crows in order to bring them closer to a relationship in which they can coexist, even though humans and crows are at odds with each other due to their overlapping living areas. To this end, we conduct experiments to see how crows respond to audio played from speakers and obtain knowledge on how to create highly realistic imitation techniques for crows. Then, we attempt to control and guide the behavior of crows by reproducing a flock using multiple sound reproduction devices.

(3) Human resource development using open source UAVs

An open source software (OSS) – based drone (OSSUAV) development environment is being developed that allows anyone to develop custom UAVs at low cost with standardized documentation. This is enabling parties facing problems to develop drones that meet their own needs and solve their own problems. To accelerate the development of human resources for this purpose, a curriculum and development education package will be studied.