NTNU researchers develop wildlife-friendly drone technology

Researchers at NTNU are developing a new framework to help drone pilots conduct more environmentally friendly operations. The system aims to provide real-time information regarding wildlife, breeding seasons, and species-specific responses to drone flight patterns, altitudes, and noise levels. This tool is intended to create dynamic maps that identify high-risk areas for wildlife disturbance, initially targeting the forestry and agriculture sectors.

In the broader context of agricultural technology, sensors, drones, and robots are increasingly being integrated into Norwegian farming. Technologies such as GPS-guided harvesters and satellite imagery allow for precise crop monitoring and nitrogen requirement estimation. While fully autonomous farming remains a long-term goal due to legal and insurance challenges, current advancements include fleet management where a master tractor is followed by several ‘aide tractors.’