Engineers at the University of Hong Kong introduced the PULSAR single-propeller unmanned aerial vehicle, whose fuselage rotates on its axis. Scientists have equipped the aircraft with a lidar sensor – it helps to scan the environment.

The drone is designed to scan open terrain. The drone is also effective for working in confined spaces. In a series of experiments, the development team demonstrated PULSAR’s ability to detect static and dynamic obstacles in real time, follow complex trajectories, and fly autonomously even in pitch dark.

PULSAR is also resistant to high winds – this ensures safe and stable flights in unpredictable conditions, such as when operating in an area affected by sudden weather changes or a natural disaster.

At a maximum wind speed of 4.5 m/s, the PULSAR can hover and stay in one place – allowing the drone to fly safely and stably in wild landscapes.

Equipped with a microcomputer and lidar sensor, the PULSAR drone has all the analysis, mapping, planning and control capabilities both indoors and outdoors without the need for any external device.

The UAV saves up to 30% of power compared to quadcopters with the same propeller area and payload, while PULSAR maintains excellent maneuverability. Source