Developing Drones to Address Pandemic-Related Challenges in Scandinavia
In building their drone, Fagernæs, Græsdal, and Kolden had to overcome a number of technical issues, including icing, vibrations, and variable temperatures. Evolving EU drone regulations necessitated building redundant systems and a parachute in case of malfunction. However, the biggest challenge was the distance they needed to fly, 120 kilometers from start to end. An autonomous flight of that length had never been completed in Scandinavia before.
“People thought we were crazy,” Fagernæs recalls. “But we were lucky enough to speak to the right people at the hospital who were desperate for a solution, and they decided to give us a chance. So, we have been working ever since, day and night.”
This past March, the students achieved a proof-of-concept flight, making a 120-kilometer flight in just 80 minutes, cutting hours off ground transport times — all with minimal piloting. They believe this is the longest autonomous drone flight in Scandinavia, strong evidence to support the viability of a much-needed service that will extend far beyond the Covid era.
“The drone has both internal and external sensors, which give you information about the world. Then based on that information, it’s able to navigate and fly autonomously,” says Græsdal.
Given the number of sensors and automation built into the aircraft, a single pilot could conceivably back up 10 or more drones.
“Because of the current state of regulations, nobody in the world operates fully autonomous drones. It’s definitely coming, though,” Kolden adds. “We have what’s called a ‘back-backseat pilot’ so if there’s a warning then you can take control.”
Crediting MIT
In order to develop their technology further, Fagernæs, Græsdal, and Kolden have also launched a startup, Aviant. Publicity from their test flight has already led to interest from their Scandinavian neighbors. “We are now expanding into Sweden,” reports Fagernæs. “We are doing two projects in Sweden, helping with all sorts of logistics with drones, because [transportation infrastructure] is a huge problem in Sweden as well.”
The trio is effusive about their MIT experience. “We’re starting a company, changing Norwegian infrastructure — this never would have happened without MIT,” Græsdal says.
“As ASP students, everything at MIT was open to us. We had offices to work in and networking events sponsored by ASP, where we met other students, as well as people from industry,” adds Fagernæs.
Fagernæs, Græsdal, and Kolden count Bianca Sinausky, program administrator of ASP, as a personal friend for the guidance she provided throughout their time on the MIT campus, and for her assistance navigating pandemic-related disruption as they returned home and completed their program requirements from Norway.
According to Sinausky, the students were ideal candidates for the program. “The Advanced Study Program offers those with a bachelor degree the opportunity to enroll in MIT classes as a non-degree student, and provides maximum flexibility for working professionals and exceptional graduate students who want to enhance their knowledge and further their careers with an MIT education,” she says. “It’s gratifying when ASP students like Bernhard, Herman, and Lars Erik meet at MIT through their passion for engineering, technology, and science, and are able to quickly make a positive impact in their home country, and potentially around the world.”
Adds Bhaskar Pant, executive director of MIT Professional Education, “the success of these Norwegian students underscores the reason why we consider the Advanced Study Program the ‘jewel in the crown’ at MIT Professional Education. It is a very special boutique program that allows enrollees to access the full resources of MIT while networking with each other to realize their high aspirations, including building a startup to help meet human challenges during and after a pandemic!”
Reprinted with permission of MIT News
