Separate drone flights using the same neural system

Drones are being raced against the clock at Delft University of Technology’s ‘Cyber Zoo’ to test the performance of neural-network-based AI control systems planned for next-generation space missions. Drones have been competing to achieve the best time through a set course within the Cyber Zoo at TU Delft, a 10x10 m test area maintained by the university’s faculty of Aerospace Engineering, ESA’s partner in this research. Human-steered ‘Micro Air Vehicle’ quadcopters were alternated with autonomous counterparts with neural networks trained in various ways.