IMAV 2017 (the International Micro Air Vehicles Conference and Competition), is dedicated to technologies for developing drones weighing less than 2 kg (also known as micro drones). This international event combines two days of scientific conferences followed by two days of drone competitions aimed at showcasing the industry's new technological breakthroughs. The 10.00 am to 12.00 pm slot on Thursday 21 September is shaping up to be the most exciting.

Scientific conference

To start this four-day event, the scientific conferences will give researchers hailing from Australia, the United States, Singapore, Germany, Great Britain and Italy the chance to share the results of their most recent achievements. A wide range of themes will be delved into, including the use of drones for the benefit of archaeology or meteorology, the use of drones as connected devices of the city of the future, and biomimetics in drone design. The Toulouse-based experts will also present their latest findings on such varied subjects as: the acoustic discretion of drones (ISAE-SUPAERO), extracting energy from turbulence using a drone (ENAC and ISAE-SUPAERO), designing a drone for Mars exploration (ONERA and ISAE-SUPAERO), flying drones on patrol (ENAC) and handling objects with the use of drones (LAAS-CNRS).

IMAV competition

Lining up to contend in the drone competitions are 30 university teams of researchers and students – once again coming from all over the world (including Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Great Britain, India, Mexico and Singapore). Through two indoor challenges and three outdoor challenges, the idea is to put new technological solutions to the test – one example being the use of non-conventional sensors (such as thermal imaging cameras). The purpose of these "full-scale" tests is to pave the way for new applications for civilian drones.

The organisers have devised complex obstacle courses for the indoor competition, a target recognition scenario outdoors as well as a host of original challenges such as: getting several coordinated drones to transport loads, a formation flight test similar to the French Air Force aerobatic demonstration team (Patrouille de France), a treasure hunt and even a weightlifting event!

The Micro Drones GIS: a Region-wide movement committed to technological innovation

The Micro Drones Scientific Interest Group (GIS) is a Toulouse-based joint venture founded by ISAE-SUPAERO, ENAC, ONERA, the CNRS, INPT, Université de Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, Université Toulouse 2 Jean Jaurès, INRAP and METEO France. Replacing the "Micro Air Vehicle Research Center" consortium which had been operating since 2011, this Group federates and coordinates the ongoing multidisciplinary research and innovation efforts in this sphere. Chaired by Professor Jean-Marc Moschetta of ISAE-SUPAERO, the GIS currently brings together 20 research laboratories nationwide and carries out research into new systems or sub-systems of micro drones for scientific purposes, with a view to exploring the world and the universe beyond: planetary exploration, understanding the living world, meteorology or archaeological research. The overarching aim is to enable micro drones to be used safely and securely to carry out measurements, collect information, adjust models and analyse meteorological or atmospheric data for example.

More info on IMAV 2017 website ///