Swarm Technology

Whether in precision farming, supporting civil security forces, or monitoring critical infrastructure—automated systems are taking on increasingly complex tasks. With the aim of enabling them to operate efficiently and flexibly, we are developing new concepts based on the principles of swarm intelligence. Instead of focusing on individual robots, these systems leverage the power of distributed intelligence: a large number of units operate simultaneously, complete tasks jointly, and respond dynamically to changes. This approach results in scalability, reliability, and high adaptability, even in demanding environments.

One key element of current research and development work is the establishment of a high-performance infrastructure for cooperating quadcopters. This platform can be flexibly adapted to fit a range of different usage scenarios, from targeted plant monitoring and situation detection in rescue operations to the inspection of power lines, traffic routes, or water facilities. In addition, the infrastructure is prepared explicitly for the challenges of outdoor missions through the implementation of weather-resistant data processing.

The systems are designed to operate completely autonomously: Navigation, coordination, and data processing can be carried out without direct intervention. At the same time, humans stay involved—via intuitive interfaces that allow for higher-level monitoring or targeted adjustments, if needed. This combination of autonomy and controllability creates a balance between efficiency, security, and practicability in real-world environments.