Enhancing Drone Detection and Tracking Using LiDAR Sensor with Adaptive Motion Strategies

Drones are becoming an increasingly common presence in the skies, used for purposes ranging from recreational activities to commercial deliveries and surveillance. While they offer many benefits, drones also pose significant challenges, particularly regarding safety, security, and privacy. With the growing prevalence of drones, there is a critical need for effective methods to detect and track them to ensure airspace security and to respond promptly to potential threats. This work introduces a novel method for detecting drones using a LiDAR sensor mounted on a robotic turret. The turret can rotate and scan the sky, providing continuous monitoring of the airspace. Upon detecting a drone, the system dynamically adjusts the turret's motion pattern to orient the sensor toward the detected drone. This adaptive approach helps gather more data and improves tracking accuracy by increasing the number of detections. Different motion patterns for the turret are also investigated, with a comparison of their effectiveness in real-world conditions. These patterns are tested with the LiDAR-turret system to determine the most effective strategies for maintaining a reliable and accurate lock on drones as they move through the airspace. Overall, the LiDAR-turret system offers a robust solution for drone detection and tracking, combining real-time adaptability with enhanced surveillance capabilities. This research contributes to the development of advanced technologies aimed at managing increasingly crowded airspace and ensuring the safe and responsible use of drones.