South Korea Creates Drone That Can Help People Carry Things On Uneven Terrain
It can be used as a shopping cart or lightweight cargo transport.
By Sukhbir Cheema — 24 Oct 2024, 02:44 PM
A team of researchers from Seoul National University of Science and Technology has introduced a pioneering transport drone that aims to tackle the challenge of moving goods across uneven terrain
Dubbed the "Palletrone", this innovative device is designed with multiple flexible rotors that allow it to self-correct during flight, maintaining a steady, level position even when navigating tricky surfaces like stairs.
The prototype, demonstrated recently, features a cargo platform mounted atop a multi-rotor drone. Users can manoeuvre the device by applying gentle pressure, similar to guiding a traditional shopping cart. What sets it apart is its sophisticated balance system, driven by a centre-of-mass estimation algorithm that ensures stability as it hovers.
During trials, the drone effectively carried objects up and down stairs, maintaining balance even as users loaded boxes onto the platform, according to Reuters.
Lee Seung-jae, a professor of mechanical system design engineering and a key figure behind the project, said the drone can respond seamlessly to human guidance
Using a technique known as physical human-robot interaction, the drone anticipates and adjusts to human movements, providing smooth and controlled transport over terrains where wheeled carts would struggle.
However, the ultimate goal of the project extends beyond just creating a flying shopping cart.
Lee's team is exploring broader applications, such as uncrewed aerial taxis and mid-air battery swaps for drones, which could drastically improve range and operational efficiency.
These potential applications would benefit from the Palletrone's reliable horizontal stability, enabling drones to change direction without the usual pitch or roll, thus making it ideal for carrying sensitive payloads.
Currently, the drone can transport objects weighing up to 3 kg — suitable for delivering delicate items but not yet practical for heavier cargo over long distances
Lee acknowledged this limitation, noting that while multi-rotor drones offer superior control and manoeuvrability, including the ability to hover, they are often restricted by battery capacity, affecting their speed and range.
The team's research was published in the IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, marking a promising step forward for practical, adaptable aerial transport.
As battery technology and drone design continue to evolve, devices like the Palletrone could redefine urban logistics and cargo delivery.
