The Future is Here

The nanotechnology application in UAV industry

Can we capture pictures from where were out of reach?

Can we map the mountains and create images using cameras in the air?

Can we monitor the natural disasters such as hurricane and flooding?

The answer to above questions is absolutely Yes since the advent of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

This blogger will lead you to enjoy the journey of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle industry and explore the nanotechnology application behind such a mysterious and fascinating innovative product.

What Is a UAV?

The term UAV is an abbreviation of Unmanned Aerial vehicle, meaning aerial vehicles which operate without a human pilot.UAVs are commonly used in both the military and police forces in situations where the risk of sending a human piloted aircraft is unacceptable, or the situation makes using a manned aircraft impractical. (An introduction to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), 2015)

Historically, UAVs were simple remotely piloted aircraft, but autonomous control is increasingly being employed. A UAV is capable of controlled, sustained level flight and is powered by a jet, reciprocating, or electric engine. UAVs have been usually created and deployed for military and special operation applications, but in the 21st century, technology reached a point of sophistication that the UAV is now being given a greatly expanded role in many areas of commercial and civil aviation. (Anton Gavrailov, 2014)

Source: robotenmics.com

UAV industry overview

From the early military segment utilization to current commercial and civil use, UAV industry is steadily growing ahead associated with advanced technology and innovations. In such a niche market, with the increasing rise of powerful market consumers, it fuels innovation due to the desires to meet the demands from customers and create revolutionary products to open new markets.

The past ten years fast-paced development enabled civil and commercial applications feasible and compelling. The current levels of dependence on fossil fuels, the need of reducing the carbon emissions and footprint associated with energy use and the prospects of developing a new and extremely innovative technology sectors, make commercial and civil UAVs increasingly attractive. Small UAVs' costs are becoming more and more competitive. A stronger effort towards further development and technological innovation will make the commercial and civil UAV sector more productive and competitive, and accelerate its evolution. (Anton Gavrailov, 2014)

Moreover, the technology generates visible benefits to citizens and industry in many ways. 

• Aerial Reconnaissance – UAVs are often used to get aerial video of a remote location, especially where there would be unacceptable risk to the pilot of a manned aircraft. UAVs can be equipped with high resolution still, video, and even infrared cameras. The information obtained by the UAV can be streamed back to the control center in real time.
• Scientific Research – In many cases, scientific research necessitates obtaining data from hazardous or remote locations. A good example is hurricane research, which often involves sending a large manned aircraft into the center of the storm to obtain meteorological data. A UAV can be used to obtain this data, with no risk to a human pilot.
• Logistics and Transportation – UAVs can be used to carry and deliver a variety of payloads. Helicopter type UAVs are well suited to this purpose, because payloads can be suspended from the bottom of the airframe, with little aerodynamic penalty. (An introduction to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), 2015)

Source: dronelife.com

In addition to its applications, UAV technology is supposed to positively impact jobs and economic development on a global scale.The future global market for UAVs is foreseeable and the dramatically growing spending on civil and commercial UAVs provides potential opportunities to create more jobs under global context and make such an emerging industry to be the driving force of related industries towards promising future growth.

Forecast of global spending on commercial and civil UAVs 2013-2015 (in million €)

Source: http://www.slideshare.net/terrai/global-commercialandciviluavmarketguide20142015?related=1

Core component of Flight Control System—MEMS Gyroscope

Source: https://www.mems-exchange.org/MEMS/what-is.html

Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems, or MEMS, is a technology that in its most general form can be defined as miniaturized mechanical and electro-mechanical elements (i.e., devices and structures) that are made using the techniques of microfabrication. The critical physical dimensions of MEMS devices can vary from well below one micron on the lower end of the dimensional spectrum, all the way to several millimeters. While the functional elements of MEMS are miniaturized structures, sensors, actuators, and microelectronics, the most notable (and perhaps most interesting) elements are the microsensors and microactuators.In fact, a variety of MEMS technologies are required in order to interface with the nano-scale domain. (What is MEMS technology, 2015)

Nanotechnology is the ability to manipulate matter at the atomic or molecular level to make something useful at the nano-dimensional scale. Basically, there are two approaches in implementation: the top-down and the bottom-up. In the top-down approach, devices and structures are made using many of the same techniques as used in MEMS except they are made smaller in size, usually by employing more advanced photolithography and etching methods. The bottom-up approach typically involves deposition, growing, or self-assembly technologies. (What is MEMS technology, 2015)

MEMS inertial sensors, specifically accelerometers and gyroscopes, are quickly gaining market acceptance. More recently, MEMS gyroscopes (i.e., rate sensors) have been developed for both automobile and consumer electronics applications. (MEMS application, 2015) A gyroscope is a device for measuring or maintaining orientation, based on the principles of angular momentum. Mechanically, a gyroscope is a spinning wheel or disk in which the axle is free to assume any orientation. Other devices made-up with the principle of angular momentum which have the same functionality are also called gyro. (Gyro, 2013)

The autopilot system is central to the operation of a UAV . An autopilot system is a mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic system used to guide a vehicle without assistance from a human being. It can make the plane automatically fly according to certain attitude, course, and altitude. It consists of a sensor, a computer and a servo mechanism. When a disturbance accured to the plane deviated from the original posture, the sensitive element (for example, the gyroscope) will detect the change of attitude; the Computer calculate the rudder deviator; the Servo(or called the rudder) will correct it. The autopilot system and plane form a feedback circuit to ensure the stable flight.(Autopilot system, 2013)

DJI-the future of possible

Phantom 3 Professional from DJI

Source:http://store.dji.com/cn/product/phantom-3-professional

As it is stated in the company introduction part, “Creativity is at the heart of every dream. Every idea, every groundbreaking leap that changes our world starts with the vision of talented creators. At DJI, we give these creators the tools they need to bring their ideas to life. DJI technology does more than simply enable creators. We push visionaries to go beyond the limits of what is thought possible, inspiring them to inspire the world. We do this through an unparalleled commitment to R&D, a culture of constant innovation and curiosity, and a focus on transforming complex technology into easy-to-use devices. Building on the ethos of “form follows function,” our products combine advanced technology with dynamic designs.”(Who we are, 2015)

As a domestic leading company in UAV industry with above clear vision and mission, DJI released latest iconic Phantom 3 series and soon won the global attention in terms of its outstanding technology. This time, The DJI flight control system integrated a three axis gyro, which can determine the location of the six directions, mobile track and acceleration simultaneously.(Gyro, 2013)

In the UAV industry, MEMS gyroscopes based inertial navigation system with GPS module offer a combined position, velocity and attitude solution under both dynamic and static operating conditions. With such advantages as low cost, high reliability and intellectualization, MEMS gyroscopes will be widely applied in the advanced development of high-end UAVs and improvement of stable flight and accurate positioning under low altitude.

Risks and challenges

Although the rapid development of UAVs remains upward steadily, risks and challenges are also our major concerns regarding to the global expansion.

• In order to operate in the national airspace of any country in the world, UAV systems must have documentation and analysis to show that it can operate at a satisfactory level of safety.
• The strong political willpower is needed to build confidence in market players and industry participants, to establish solid ground for future growth, remove bottlenecks and maintain a reliable but dynamic national and international regulatory framework for development and commercial and civil use of UAV systems. Global commercial and civil UAV market will be volatile in the near future, mostly influenced by the uncertain legal and regulatory framework governing commercial and civil UAVs use. 
• UAV systems have higher accident rate than manned aircraft.
• UAV's manufacturers and service providers have to ensure that will not endanger security and privacy of citizens.
• Environmentalists and social community-based organizations, despite generally being in favor of endeavors for UAV industry development, at times have radically different opinions from UAV operators, mainly because of hazardous waste generated by UAVs and because of privacy protection of citizens. (Anton Gavrailov, 2014)

Outlook

Commercial and civil UAV industry is gaining positive image globally in the recent years and enjoys increased attention and sympathy by the general public. The rapid development of the industry has recently put UAVs increasingly under the spotlight and, on many occasions, competing interests have challenged the commercial and civil UAV industry in many respects. In order to ensure the continued wide public and political acceptance of commercial and civil UAVs, it is essential that the UAV industry reinforces its communication on its advantages and carbon reduction credentials, but also on its social contribution as an industry generating sustainable socio-economic development. The multi-faceted value of UAV technology resulting from the multiple applications and services it can provide must also be communicated to the wider public and deny emerging misconceptions about its limitations. (Anton Gavrailov, 2014)

In addition to the nanotechnology-based MEMS gyroscope applied in flight control system and existing nano-sized UAV, we hope to integrate more state-of-the-art technologies to the UAV advancement such as UAV materials, nanotechnology map. Nothing is impossible. We expect to see magics born from nanotechnology.

Furthemore, the legal and regulatory framework needs strengthening to a new level. Currently, since no adequate unified regulatory framework setup on a global level is in place, there is no definite and clear legislation and related bylaws available cross territory. Of course, the use of small UAV is also subject to domestic regulatory.How to balance the results coming from global regulation policy will exert profound influences on the UAV industry development.

Conclusion

Nanotechnology is not merely a hot terminology or a high-tech far from reach. It is widely used in our daily lives and apparently is changing our conventional life style into a more advanced and smart stage. Besides the extensive applications in constructions, foods, cosmetics, healthcare sectors and mobile industry, etc, the nanotechnology application in electronics, specifically in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle industry is remarkable and progressive. We are looking forward to witnessing the convergence effects imposed on such a robust emerging industry combined with cross-functional nanotechnological products derived from various subjects.

The future is here.

Reference:

1. An introduction to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAVs) (2015). Retrieved from: http://www.draganfly.com/news/2008/08/24/introduction-to-unmanned-aerial-vehicles-uavs/

2. Anton Gavrailov (2014, Nov 11). Global Commercial and Civil UAV Market Guide 2014-2015.

3. What is MEMS technology? (2015).Retrieved from:https://www.mems-exchange.org/MEMS/what-is.html

4. MEMS application. (2015). Retrieved from:https://www.memsnet.org/mems/applications.html

5. Who we are (2015). Retrieved from: http://www.dji.com/company

6. Gyro (2013, Jan 20). Retrieved from: http://wiki.dji.com/

7. Autopilot System (2013, Jan 20). Retrieved from: http://wiki.dji.com/