AUSPEX Takes Off: First Test Flights Show Promising Results

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In recent weeks, we’ve conducted several test flights to put the AUSPEX framework ( https://github.com/UniBwM-IFS-AILab/AUSPEX ) through its paces in real-world conditions – successes, crashes, and new insights included.

English

We’re excited to share that the AUSPEX framework, which has been developed in our group, has achieved its first successes in real-world flight tests. The goal of AUSPEX is to develop a modular, open-source framework for decision-making support in search and rescue missions using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

During our recent test flights, we were able to successfully demonstrate core capabilities of the framework for the first time: generating a waypoint-based search plan and having it executed autonomously by two UAVs. The remote controls were held in hand - solely for emergency intervention.

Of course, these successful tests were preceded by a few crashes — an inevitable part of the learning process.

German

Wir freuen uns, berichten zu können, dass das in unserer Gruppe entwickelte AUSPEX-Framework erste Erfolge in realen Flugtests erzielen konnte. Ziel von AUSPEX ist die Entwicklung eines modularen, Open-Source-Frameworks zur Entscheidungsunterstützung bei Such- und Rettungsmissionen mit unbemannten Luftfahrzeugen (UAVs).

In unseren jüngsten Testflügen konnten wir erstmals zentrale Funktionen des Frameworks erfolgreich demonstrieren: die Erstellung eines Suchplans mit Wegpunkten sowie dessen autonome Ausführung durch zwei UAVs. Die Fernbedienung in der Hand diente lediglich als Sicherheitsmaßnahme, um im Notfall eingreifen zu können.

Den erfolgreichen Tests gingen natürlich auch ein paar Abstürze voraus – wohl ein unvermeidlicher Teil des Lernprozesses.

#UAV #DroneSwarm #AUSPEX #SearchAndRescue

Kai Sommer

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Kai Sommer holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science from Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg.

In his Bachelor thesis he analyzed path planning algorithms for mobile robots. During his Master thesis at the chair of Space Technology he investigated different Deep Learning approaches for the detection of interesting events in satellite images.

After working nearly 5 years as a software developer in the automotive industry he returns to research for combining his interests in software development, robotics and a broad range of AI methods. In particular he is investigating knowledge representation to create a situational awareness for drone swarms.

AUSPEX in SAR Operations: An Integrated Open-Source Decision-Making Framework for UAVs in Rescue Missions

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Kai Sommer | AI LAB @ UniBw Munich

AUSPEX Takes Off: First Test Flights Show Promising Results

English

German

Kai Sommer

AUSPEX in SAR Operations: An Integrated Open-Source Decision-Making Framework for UAVs in Rescue Missions