Two companies have signed a memorandum with Hong Kong Polytechnic University to release a drone take-off probability forecast tool next year and develop anti-jamming technology for the devices, following the cancellation of two highly anticipated shows over the National Day holiday due to meteorological factors.
The Drone Takeoff Reliability Index, which will consider multiple factors including weather, real-time astronomical data and the distribution of satellites, is designed to provide a standardised indicator of the success rate for scheduled drone shows.
The index is scheduled for data collection and processing in the first quarter of 2025, with discussions planned in the fourth quarter regarding the announcement channels for various low-altitude economic associations and government departments.
“It is like a weather forecast and we can tell the public in advance about what the chances are to see a successful drone show,” Wen Weisong, assistant professor at PolyU’s department of aeronautical and aviation engineering, said at a memorandum signing ceremony on Wednesday to mark the collaboration.
Under the memorandum, Wen and other researchers in his department will work with two drone companies to examine the potential factors that can affect drone safety and develop an algorithm to forecast take-off probability.
The team will also explore new technologies to enhance the reliability of drone shows, including methods to improve the anti-jamming capacity of drones, so they can receive satellite signals amid interference.
Local drone show operator X Social Group and another major industry player, Shenzhen Damoda Intelligent Control Technology, will share their data and experimental results with the researchers.