Preliminary Approach for UAV-Based Multi-Sensor Platforms for Reconnaissance and Surveillance applications

Abstract

Context: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with remote sensing platforms have become increasingly popular due to their applications in aerial surveillance, environmental control, and disaster response. However, the limited flight range and on-board energy resources of UAVs pose significant challenges to their practical deployment and operating efficiency, which has led to the exploration of energy-efficient platforms for remote sensing. Method: This paper proposes a preliminary approach for UAV multi-sensor reconnaissance and surveillance platforms (MRSS) that target low energy consumption. The approach implemented four sensor modules controlled by one multi-functional integrated edge computer for control and data collection, which can be interchanged according to battery lifetime requirements. Results: The main contribution of this work was an analysis of the energy consumption behavior of sensor modules managed by an embedded system with edge computing capabilities as the central control unit. Conclusions: The high energy consumption associated with modules such as GEOINT leads to deep discharge in excess of 20 % DOD, resulting in a maximum battery degradation of 2,4 years.