Realization of Automatic Detection and Stopping for People and Cars Using AI During Drone Flight
B&PLUS succeeded in an experiment where a drone uses AI camera analysis to detect people/cars and auto-stops, ensuring ground safety for Level 3.5 flights.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 7, 2026 at 00:49
- 🔍 Collected: April 6, 2026 at 16:30
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 01:58 (345h 28m after Collected)
B&PLUS K.K. (Headquarters: Hiki-gun, Saitama Prefecture; President: Atsushi Kameda; hereinafter 'B&PLUS'), a specialized manufacturer of wireless power supply, conducted a flight experiment to ensure ground safety during a drone's Level 3.5 flight. The drone analyzes images from onboard cameras when crossing roads and automatically stops flying if people or cars are detected.
[Drone used for the flight test]
■ Alternative to entry management measures in Level 3.5 flight
In Level 3 flights, operations are possible in unpopulated areas by notifying people via signboards or deploying assistants to restrict third-party entry. In Level 3.5 flights, confirmation using onboard cameras can serve as an alternative to these entry management measures.
■ Confirmation by onboard camera and temporary stopping during flight
[Two cameras mounted]
This drone is equipped with two onboard cameras and flies while constantly checking directly below and ahead of the drone. When it recognizes people, cars, animals, etc., on the video, it temporarily stops and waits until they are out of the area.
[Left: Video directly below, Right: Video ahead (detecting a person)]
■ Actual flight and automatic stopping behavior...
[Drone used for the flight test]
■ Alternative to entry management measures in Level 3.5 flight
In Level 3 flights, operations are possible in unpopulated areas by notifying people via signboards or deploying assistants to restrict third-party entry. In Level 3.5 flights, confirmation using onboard cameras can serve as an alternative to these entry management measures.
■ Confirmation by onboard camera and temporary stopping during flight
[Two cameras mounted]
This drone is equipped with two onboard cameras and flies while constantly checking directly below and ahead of the drone. When it recognizes people, cars, animals, etc., on the video, it temporarily stops and waits until they are out of the area.
[Left: Video directly below, Right: Video ahead (detecting a person)]
■ Actual flight and automatic stopping behavior...
FAQ
How does the automatic stop technology of this drone work?
The two cameras mounted on the drone analyze the footage using AI. If people or vehicles are detected, the drone automatically pauses its flight.
What is Level 3.5 drone flight?
Level 3.5 drone flight is a system that allows beyond visual line of sight operations in unmanned areas. Safety is confirmed using onboard cameras, eliminating the need for spotters or signs.
What happens after the drone automatically stops?
The drone waits until people or vehicles move out of the area and safety is confirmed, then resumes flight.