A number of countries are investigating the possibility of using drone swarms to support military operations. These machines could be used to detect enemy targets and support Search and Rescue operations. They can also help in mapping difficult areas.
As they multiply in numbers, they will become more capable and versatile. They can adjust to changes in battlefield dynamics. They can follow the path of one or more drones and can be controlled from far away. They can also have anti-radiation weapons, radiological detectors, or chemical detectors. They can also lift large objects. They could be used as business hubs.
Some countries are uncertain about the impact of these new technologies. They may wait to learn more about these technologies before deciding if they should be controlled. This is because swarms still represent a relatively young technology. Simulations have been the main focus of research into swarm tech.
China has invested heavily to upgrade technology for the People's Liberation Army. Scientists are currently testing drone flocks. They have even created handheld drones of the palm size with Intel RealSense depth cameras, altitude sensors, and Intel RealSense height cameras. They also developed a smart algorithm to avoid obstacles. They claim their drones are inspired from Star Wars films.
Chinese scientists believe there are many applications for swarm tech. They believe the machines can be used for Search and Rescue missions and for mapping difficult areas. They also believe artificial intelligence could be used for drone cooperation.
The United States has also begun to explore drone swarm technology. The US Department of Defense (DoD), launched the first micro-drone swarm in May over California. The swarm's onboard computer was used to communicate with other drones, and each drone was equipped with a stereo camera. They claim that drones can also be used to map, monitor, and perform reconnaissance. They will be able to adapt to specific missions and can be customized. They can also be combined to make one unit if required.
The Israelis will use drone swarms to combat terrorism in May 2021. They have already identified rocket sites of Hamas in Gaza Strait and have provided support for missile and mortar attacks. They also said that the drones helped to block hypersonic missiles.
Low-Cost UAV Swarming Technology is a US military program that tests drones' abilities to form swarms. It has launched 67 drones to the skies so far, and it plans on launching more than 200 drones by year's end.
China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), also works on drone swarm technologies. They claim to have created a smart swarm controlled by artificial intelligence. They claim that their drones were tested under bamboo trees and flew in an adaptive configuration. They claim that they have also developed new technology for these machines, including an energy source.