German scientists train drones to search for people by screaming
German scientists have created the concept of finding people using drones. Equipped with acoustic technology, the drones will be able to respond to screams and other impulsive sounds, according to The Washington Post .
Experts at the Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics have developed a prototype acoustic system for drones that can “hear” cries for help. It is assumed that the aircraft will circle over places where it is difficult for emergency services to reach, and transmit the location where disturbing sounds were recorded.
To operate effectively, your loudspeaker must be configured to detect the sounds of a human voice and other audible signals that they may emit, such as banging or clapping. At the same time, the electronics should not confuse them with other sounds, such as animal cries or the wind. To do this, scientists have created a database of impulsive sounds that the drone should respond to, and implemented it in an artificial intelligence training program. They equipped the drone itself with a variety of digital microphones. The device has already been successfully tested in practice.
The technology developers believe that this system can be useful to rescuers looking for people after natural disasters: earthquakes, forest fires, hurricanes. Drones will be able to cover a large area in a shorter time compared to humans and service dogs. At the moment, engineers are filing a patent for their invention.
Recall that in the spring, drones came to the aid of Chinese doctors. With their help, doctors transported blood and medicines for patients.
