Autonomous GNSS-denied Drones for Outdoor Missions in GPS-deprived Areas

Drones with no access to GNSS can be effectively used in various outdoor scenarios where traditional GPS signals may be weak or unavailable. Their role is especially significant in firefighting operations, where they help guide emergency responders through dense smoke or extreme heat. In such GNSS-denied environments, drones can provide real-time aerial imagery, assist in locating hotspots, and support operations—all without relying on GPS signals. In disaster response situations like earthquakes or hurricanes, drones play a crucial role in search and rescue missions, particularly in urban areas with collapsed buildings, where GPS signals are often unreliable or obstructed. Similarly, in forestry or agricultural management, drones are used for monitoring and mapping areas where GPS signals are blocked by trees or rugged terrain. In industrial settings, drones are increasingly deployed for inspections in factories or processing plants, where they can monitor equipment, ensure safety, and collect data in areas with limited GPS access. Additionally, drones are becoming vital tools for security surveillance in spaces like airports, where they can patrol and monitor activities without relying on GPS, ensuring effective security measures even in GPS-denied environments.

The F4F solution is a GNSS-denied autonomous drone designed to operate in GPS-deprived environments with exceptional capabilities. It can autonomously navigate complex and challenging terrains, including buildings, forests, bridges, and other obstacles such as dense smoke. The drone can autonomously reach a specific location, drop off or pick up an object, and transport it to a designated area, all without relying on GPS signals. It employs on-board cameras to identify and select the correct object from multiple options. The drone is built to handle demanding tasks, offering advanced navigation, perception, and decision-making capabilities. Fly4Future’s expertise ensures that this drone surpasses other solutions with its outstanding performance and reliability.

Our solution is built upon a winning concept from the SPRIND Funke Autonomous Flight Competition, developed by our team in collaboration with the MRS FEE CTU student team.