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Drones took centre stage for Kevin Lok, a Year 4 Mechatronic Systems student at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) when he found an unexpected source of inspiration in the ant colonies featured on a streaming channel. These videos showcased how ants effortlessly locate food in unfamiliar terrain, prompting Kevin to consider the potential of applying similar principles to drone swarms. This innovative approach played a crucial role in his team’s success at the Singapore Amazing Flying Machine Competition (SAFMC) 2024.
Kevin and his teammates from SIT competed in the Swarm category of the SAFMC. Their task was to programme a group of drones to autonomously search for “victims” in a simulated search-and-rescue mission. Inspired by the decentralised behaviour of ants, Kevin and his team devised an algorithm that enabled their drones to coordinate and communicate effectively, ultimately securing the championship and an SG$ 20,000 cash prize.
The design strategy drew heavily from the foraging conduct of ants, which leave pheromone trails as they search for food. These trails guide other ants to the food source, reinforcing the trail if the food is found. By emulating this pheromone-based communication, the team aimed to create a decentralised system for their drones, minimising the risk of a single point of failure – a common challenge in drone technology.
Over eight months, Kevin and his teammates, Tan Wei Xuan, Dyner Wong, and Lee Kang Jie, worked tirelessly to develop a system of 14 intelligent drones capable of collaborative decision-making.
The team utilised a graphical user interface they developed to monitor the drone swarm’s performance during the competition. In the 20m-by-20m playing field at the Science Centre Singapore, their drones navigated the search-and-rescue mission. Despite two drones failing mid-mission, the SIT team achieved a near-perfect score, becoming the first team in the competition’s history to locate all “victims” successfully.
The team hopes their pheromone-inspired algorithm will contribute to the growing field of smart swarm deployment and communication for drones. They envision swarm drones playing a significant role in search-and-rescue missions, covering large areas and conducting preliminary sweeps of disaster zones, thus enhancing safety and efficiency.
The team is also committed to sharing their insights and experiences with future SIT students interested in swarm technology and SAFMC, emphasising the importance of repeated testing and validation in developing complex systems.
OpenGov Asia reported that drones play a pivotal role in Singapore’s defence strategy against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) threats. HTX’s CBRNE Centre of Expertise (CoE) leverages drone technology to enhance the country’s border detection capabilities. Drones are integral to developing mobile scanners that can detect CBRNE threats in scenarios where standard scanners are impractical.
These mobile and agile solutions allow border authorities to quickly respond to suspicious cargo, providing a comprehensive and flexible security measure to prevent the smuggling of hazardous materials into the country.
The success of Kevin and his team demonstrates the potential of bio-inspired algorithms in advancing drone technology, paving the way for innovative applications in various fields.
SIT has been significantly contributing to Singapore’s technological advancement through its digital innovation. Researchers at SIT have developed a digital twin for the Punggol Campus microgrid, a virtual model that simulates various scenarios to prepare operators for power disruptions. This cutting-edge technology, developed under the SG$ 20 million EDGE programme, enhances microgrid resilience and efficiency by enabling predictive maintenance and accurate simulations, making it indispensable for managing and mitigating power disruptions.
SIT’s digital innovations, research and various initiatives strengthen Singapore’s position as a hub for technological advancement and innovation. By fostering applied learning and industry collaboration, SIT ensures the nation remains at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and sustainable solutions.
