The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is investing in technology that enables drones to be charged mid-air through electric discharge using electromagnetic waves. A team of experts at the University of Texas is developing this technology, with Dr. Ifana Mahbub leading the project.
Mahbub’s team is utilizing far-field technology to transmit electromagnetic waves over longer distances, allowing for efficient charging of drones while they are in flight. They are using a phased antenna array to direct beams along a specific path and maintaining a straight connection through telemetry.
This technology has the potential for various applications beyond charging drones, such as charging electric cars on highways or safely implanting medical devices in humans using low-frequency electromagnetic waves.
While the idea of launching electromagnetic waves to charge drones may seem daunting, similar technologies like radio, television, cell phone service, and Wi-Fi already utilize electromagnetic waves for communication. This development opens up new possibilities for various industries and applications beyond military use.
The project has received funding from DARPA, allowing Mahbub and her team to continue developing the technology. With further advancements in this field, we can expect to see more efficient and effective ways of powering drones without the need for landing or battery replacement.
