German Researchers Develop Autonomous Interceptor Drones That Capture Unauthorized UAVs
- MM24 News Desk
- 39 minutes ago
- 3 min read
University of Würzburg scientists have created an autonomous drone defense system that can repel and capture unauthorized drones in restricted airspace. The innovative system, developed through the IDAS (Innovive Drone Defence System) project, represents a significant advancement in protective security technology for airports, prisons, and major events, reported Research for Civil Security.
While drones have become invaluable tools across industries from agriculture to filmmaking, their increasing presence in restricted airspace poses serious security risks. Unauthorized drones near airports can endanger air traffic, while those above prisons or major events create potential safety threats. Since 2017, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research has been funding protective measures against such intrusions through its Research for Civil Security initiative—and one project has now delivered a functional solution.
The development journey began with the MIDRAS project, which impressed security authorities during a live demonstration in summer 2020. This success paved the way for the flagship IDAS project, where researchers transformed the original concept into a working prototype. The team, led by Dr. Julian Rothe, who directed IDAS at the Chair of Computer Science VIII, created a system that uses interceptor drones equipped with extendable nets to confront and capture potentially dangerous drones.
"In close consultation with the police, who are the end users, we opted for a single larger drone rather than several drones flying cooperatively," explained Dr. Rothe. "This setup meets practical requirements much more effectively." This strategic shift from multiple cooperative drones to a single larger interceptor represented one of several key technical refinements made over the past two years.
The system incorporates a sophisticated target acquisition system that begins with LiDAR sensors detecting potential target objects. Following initial detection, a camera using artificial intelligence verifies whether the object is actually a drone. "This ensures that the object really is a drone and not, for instance, a bird," Rothe added, highlighting the importance of accurate identification in operational environments.
Perhaps the most remarkable feature is the system's autonomous operation. Unlike traditional drone systems that require skilled pilots operating joysticks, the IDAS interceptor needs only a start button activation. When airport monitoring systems or other security infrastructure detect a potential intruder, operators can deploy the interceptor with minimal intervention. The autonomous system handles the entire interception process from approach to capture.
After successfully capturing an unauthorized drone in its net, the interceptor deposits the captured UAV safely at a predefined location. This careful handling serves a crucial forensic purpose. "Ensuring that the incoming drone is captured safely and remains as undamaged as possible was crucial," according to Dr. Rothe. "This enables investigative authorities to conduct forensic analyses and draw conclusions about the operators."
The successful completion of IDAS doesn't mark the end of drone research at University of Würzburg. While specific details remain under wraps, the research team is already preparing additional projects that build upon this technological foundation. The autonomous interception system demonstrates how academic research can directly address real-world security challenges while maintaining forensic integrity for subsequent investigations.
As drone technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, security systems must advance accordingly. The University of Würzburg team has developed a solution that addresses both immediate security needs and longer-term investigative requirements, creating a system that protects airspace while preserving evidence. This balanced approach, developed in close collaboration with end-users like police authorities, ensures the technology meets practical operational demands rather than existing merely as a laboratory demonstration.