In the early hours of October 6, police received a report that a pilot on final approach to Gardermoen reportedly saw drones hovering by the airport.
This was the second incident in less than two weeks. Similar drone sightings had already disrupted operations in Copenhagen, Munich, and Oslo, leading to temporary airport closures, cancelled departures, and thousands of stranded travelers.
Millions in costs and delays
– Sightings of unauthorized drones show the need for better ways to monitor and manage drones, and to respond quickly. It also raises questions about privacy and everyday safety — after all, who wants to see drones with cameras hovering over their garden or a kindergarten?, says Professor Aurilla Aurelie Arntzen at the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN).
She is the project leader for the USN-led EU research project AI4HyDrop. It is developing an AI-based framework to
make drone operations safer and more predictable. This is especially important in restricted areas and in cities where traditional systems fall short.
– Without such a system, a single drone violating the rules can stop air traffic, delay thousands of passengers, and cause costs in the order of tens of millions of kroner. They can even interfere with rescue operations, says USN researcher Neno Ruseno.
In addition to detecting unauthorized drones, the system will also ensure that drones avoid colliding with each other, as well as with planes and helicopters.
How the system works
First, weather forecasts and AI-based analyses of wind and turbulence are used to find safe routes and flight times. Population maps, local regulations, and an overview of restricted areas are used to avoid risk zones.
This information feeds into an AI-driven airspace design system, which divides the city’s airspace into safe corridors and buffer zones. It’s a bit like a roadmap in the sky.
– The drone operator then submits their desired route, which is automatically assessed by artificial intelligence. If the plan meets the requirements, it is approved; otherwise, route adjustments are suggested, explains Ruseno.
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AI and sensors for safer airspace
Once the drone is airborne, an advanced monitoring system ensures safety. Instead of relying on a single sensor, the system combines cameras, radio frequency analysis, and acoustic sensors that pick up the sound of propellers.
– By combining this with AI and ultra-fast communication, the system can detect, classify, and track drones. This also applies to drones entering restricted areas without transmitting their location. The drone operator will receive a warning, which can also be sent to relevant authorities who can respond quickly, says Ruseno.
Drone alerts are linked directly to maps of the airspace and ongoing air traffic, allowing operators to adapt and respond in real time. When a drone is detected, the system tries to identify its owner. If that’s not possible, the technology helps authorities gather evidence.
– With smarter technology and faster coordination, we can prevent disruptions before they happen, keep airports open, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure that the airspace remains safe, says Arntzen.