TU Delft algorithm to enables drones to work together to transport heavy payloads - The Robot Report

Researchers at TU Delft in the Netherlands have developed an advanced algorithm enabling multiple autonomous drones to collaboratively carry and control heavy payloads, even under challenging conditions such as wind. By physically connecting drones to a payload via cables, the system allows them to share the load, adjust their positions in real time, and precisely control the payload’s orientation. This capability addresses the limitations of single drones, which have restricted payload capacities, making it difficult to transport heavy materials to remote or complex environments like offshore wind turbines, mountainous agricultural areas, or disaster zones. The key innovation lies in the algorithm’s ability to coordinate the drones’ movements rapidly and flexibly, responding to each other and external disturbances such as sudden payload shifts. TU Delft tested the system with up to four quadrotors in a controlled lab setting, including simulated wind and moving payloads, successfully demonstrating autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance. While current testing relies on indoor motion capture systems, the team aims to adapt the technology for outdoor use without requiring sensors on the payload