Scientists Develop Drone That Disappears Through High-Speed Rotation
Researchers at Northwestern University have created the 'Phantom Twist,' a drone designed to be up to 10 times less visible than conventional models by spinning rapidly.
Scientists at Northwestern University have designed a drone capable of near-invisibility by spinning at extremely high speeds. Dubbed the 'Phantom Twist,' the drone rotates up to 25 times per second, a speed too fast for the human eye to track, effectively making it blend into its surroundings.
Michael Rubenstein, who led the research, explained that traditional camouflage methods focus on mimicking the environment. Instead, his team investigated how to design the drone around human perception of motion. "This idea of low visibility through persistent motion is something few people have explored," Rubenstein stated.
The design process involved using a computer to generate approximately 20,000 configurations, with AI testing various component arrangements to identify promising designs. The resulting 'Phantom Twist' differs significantly from conventional quadrotor drones, which have stationary bodies and spinning propellers. This new drone features a single motor and propeller that spins the entire craft, eliminating stationary parts. Initial tests indicate it is about 10 times less visible than standard drones.
Emma Alexander, another member of the project team, elaborated on the visual effect, noting that the human eye accumulates visual signals over time. When an object spins rapidly, its distinct features blur. "Because this new drone is almost entirely transparent, its few opaque components are visually averaged with the background for an overall appearance of a slight haze," Alexander said.
Despite its reduced visibility, the 'Phantom Twist' has limitations. Visible wires and support rods, along with a loud noise, are notable drawbacks. Researchers are hopeful that this technology could eventually lead to drones that are less visually disruptive for applications such as wildlife monitoring, environmental surveying, and infrastructure inspection.
The potential military applications of such technology have also been noted. However, Peter Lee of the University of Portsmouth, who was not involved in the research, pointed out significant challenges. He noted that adding sensors or weight to the sparse design could increase its visibility or affect its flight stability. Furthermore, the drone's maneuverability is limited by its rotational design, making steep banking maneuvers difficult and potentially compromising its low-visibility state. For the drone to become more visible, the speed of rotation would have to be slowed, which could also lead to instability.
