The ultrasonic sensors determine how close the drone is to the ground. Some drones now provide obstacle detection in five directions: front, back, below, above and side to side.įor landing, drones use visual positioning systems with downward-facing cameras and ultrasonic sensors. Initially, the sensors were designed to detect objects in front of the drone. Some drones use sensors to detect obstacles and avoid collisions. Hyperspectral sensors help identify minerals and vegetation, and are ideal for use in crop health, water quality and surface composition. Accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, barometers and GPS are also common drone features.įor example, thermal sensors make possible surveillance and security applications, such as livestock monitoring and heat-signature detection. Red, green and blue sensors collect standard visual red, green and blue wavelengths, and multispectral sensors collect visible and nonvisible wavelengths, such as infrared and ultraviolet. Visual sensors offer still and video data. The altimeter also helps keep the drone at a specific altitude if the controller designates one.ĭrones can be equipped with sensors, including ultrasonic, laser or lidar distance sensors, time-of-flight sensors, chemical sensors, and stabilization and orientation sensors. An onboard altimeter can communicate altitude information. The GPS on a drone communicates its precise location to the controller. Navigational systems, such as GPS, are typically housed in the nose of a drone. altitude hold, which keeps the drone at a fixed altitude.maximum speeds, including ascent and descent.maximum flight time, which determines how long the drone can remain in the air.augmented reality features that superimpose virtual objects on the drone's camera feed.artificial intelligence ( AI) that enables the drone to follow objects.various types of cameras with high-performance, zoom and gimbal steadycam and tilt capabilities.accelerometer, which measures speed andĭrone features vary based on the use it is put to.sensors, including ultrasonic sensors and collision avoidance sensors.electronic speed controllers, which control a motor's speed and direction.

What are common drone features and components?ĭrones have a large number of components, including: Controllers communicate with the drone using radio waves, such as Wi-Fi. The frame of a drone is typically made of a lightweight, composite material to reduce weight and increase maneuverability.ĭrones require a controller, which lets the operator use remote controls to launch, navigate and land the aircraft. They also have rotors, propellers and a frame. To fly, drones must have a power source, such as battery or fuel. Drones are now also used in a range of civilian roles, including the following:ĭrones have two basic functions: flight mode and navigation. They were initially used for anti-aircraft target practice, intelligence gathering and, more controversially, as weapons platforms. UAVs were most often associated with the military. Essentially, a drone is a flying robot that can be remotely controlled or fly autonomously using software-controlled flight plans in its embedded systems, that work in conjunction with onboard sensors and a global positioning system ( GPS). Drones are more formally known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or unmanned aircraft systems.

Drone station computer