Researchers at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands have developed an algorithm that enables multiple autonomous drones to jointly transport and control heavy payloads under variable and windy conditions. The research, published in Science Robotics, addresses a limitation in current drone technology, which struggles with limited payload capacity and sensitivity to environmental disturbances.
According to lead researcher Sihao Sun, a robotics specialist at TU Delft, the new system connects multiple drones to a payload using cables, allowing them to lift and stabilize heavier objects by continuously adjusting their positions. The drones cooperate to manage both the weight and orientation of the load, which is essential for accurate placement in complex or hard-to-reach environments such as offshore wind turbines or remote construction sites.
The researchers designed a control algorithm capable of fast and flexible coordination between drones. The system can adapt to changes in the payload and external forces without relying on sensors mounted on the load itself. This allows the drones to respond rapidly to sudden motions or wind disturbances.
In laboratory tests, the team used up to four custom-built quadrotors to transport payloads while navigating obstacles and simulated wind. In one experiment, a basketball was used as a moving payload to test the drones’ dynamic response. The drones operated autonomously, requiring only a destination input and adjusting their flight paths independently to avoid obstacles and compensate for environmental factors.
At present, the experiments rely on external motion-capture systems for indoor tracking, limiting the technology’s immediate use outdoors. The TU Delft team aims to adapt the system for field conditions, with possible applications in areas such as search and rescue operations, agricultural transport, and construction in remote locations.
Photo credit Sihao Sun
