Artificial Intelligence
The principle of manipulating hundreds of drones by single person, what kind of future drone group
In recent domestic military films, drones have taken center stage. In "Aerospace Hunting," they silently scout enemy positions; in "War Wolf 2," they clear crowds; and in "Red Sea Action," they even take out a tank! While these cinematic depictions make drones look impressive, the reality is that each drone requires a remote operator. Coordinating hundreds of drones at once seems like a daunting challenge.
However, in June 2017, China Electronics Technology Group made history by successfully achieving coordinated flight with 119 fixed-wing UAVs. This experiment demonstrated intensive ejection, autonomous air assembly, multi-purpose grouping, and automatic formation—key features of "cluster intelligence." With this technology, just one person can control hundreds of drones simultaneously.
So, what exactly is a drone cluster? It consists of a large number of drones, which can be identical or include different types such as infrared reconnaissance drones, radar detection drones, image reconnaissance drones, fighter drones, and bomber drones. These drones communicate via wireless networks, exchange information, and work together to complete tasks like assignment and path planning.
Each drone in the system is an intelligent unit capable of independent flight and reconnaissance. They can share information through wireless networks and interact with manned aircraft or ground stations. This allows for group management, task allocation, route planning for both the entire group and individual drones.
The following diagram shows a conceptual view of multi-UAV collaborative search. Different functional drones are used to cover specific areas, improving detection accuracy and coverage.
Multiple UAVs can perform combat missions in coordination, expanding detection and attack ranges while increasing operational efficiency. As the saying goes, "a good man and three gangs" highlights the power of teamwork.
### Cluster Intelligence: Learning from Bees
Cluster behavior in the animal kingdom involves groups working together to enhance their collective interests while also benefiting individuals. Drone cluster technology was inspired by nature, particularly the behavior of bees. To simplify drone operations, operators should be able to manage hundreds or even thousands of drones with ease. This is achieved by simulating biological cluster behavior.
To achieve this, a cluster management controller must be designed. Using a control algorithm, the group can independently search for targets like ant colonies or bird flocks, detect obstacles and radars during flight, and share this information within the fleet. The fleet can then plan optimal routes, avoid threats, and reach the destination quickly.
Upon arrival, tasks are assigned based on each drone's function:
- Reconnaissance drones gather environmental data and target coordinates.
- Bombing units use this information to plan attack paths and strike effectively.
- Combat drones provide surrounding protection and escort to prevent enemy interference.
Additionally, there may be drones for deception, communication, and electronic warfare to complete the mission.
### What Does the Future Hold for Drone Groups?
In recent years, the drone industry has grown rapidly due to its low cost and high efficiency. UAV clusters have attracted significant attention globally. In May 2016, the U.S. Air Force proposed the "2016–2036 Small UAV System Flight Plan," aiming to create a small UAV system across air, space, and cyber domains, with human-machine cluster operations by 2036.
This simulated combat scenario shows a drone cluster operating in a complex battlefield. It includes various drone types, including manned aircraft that control the group. After receiving commands, surveillance drones detect enemy positions and threats, sharing data between drones and humans. The cluster calculates the best route and attack plan, maximizing effectiveness while minimizing casualties.
Other initiatives include the EU’s COMETS project and Australia’s research into autonomous navigation and environmental awareness. UAV cluster technology is gaining traction in military applications, but its potential extends beyond defense. Its low cost, scalability, and intelligence make it promising for civil use—improving search efficiency, detection accuracy, and saving time in agriculture, forest protection, and disaster response. It can also provide precise data for better decision-making.
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