ROBOpilot turns any plane into a drone

The ROBOpilot system, a set of devices that can replace a human pilot, was tested in the USA a short while ago. Using it, the most ordinary aircraft can be converted into a drone.

The ROBO pilot system was created by the Air Force Research Laboratory in cooperation with DZYNE Technologies Incorporated. It features several viewing cameras and a robotic arm for steering wheel control. The system can read instruments, make decisions as well as take off and land the aircraft on its own in difficult conditions.

The system is mounted directly on the pilot's seat. Equipped with ROBOpilot, the aircraft will become an air vehicle fitting in between fully autonomous special-purpose aircraft and simple air vehicles. Almost any aircraft can be, after minor modifications, equipped with this autopilot.

The novelty’s capabilities are expected to expand in future. The RedBird FMX flight simulator is used for the robot’s training.