Spins 25 Times Per Second: The Phantom Twist Drone That Creates an Optical Invisibility Hack
A new prototype developed in drone technologies surpasses the limits of human perception rather than using camouflage. The Phantom Twist, developed by engineers at Northwestern University in the United States, becomes almost invisible in the air by rotating its body 25 times per second.
Here are the details.
Speed, Not Camouflage, Used for Invisibility
So far, many 'invisible drone' projects that have been developed focused on camouflage, transparent materials, or optical systems. However, Phantom Twist is following a completely different method.
The drone has a structure with a single motor and a single propeller. While the propeller rotates in one direction, the body rotates in the opposite direction. When the body rotates about 25 times per second, the human eye cannot discern a stable shape of the device. Instead, the drone is perceived as a blurry motion that blends with the background.
According to researchers, with this feature, Phantom Twist is approximately 10 times less noticeable compared to traditional four-propeller drones of similar size.
Artificial Intelligence Tested 20 Thousand Different Designs
Engineers utilized artificial intelligence-supported optimization systems in their work. In the first stage, approximately 20,000 different designs were created with the motor, battery, circuit board, and other components positioned in different locations.
These designs were then simulated in 100 different real-life backgrounds. Thanks to algorithms that mimic the human vision system, the 500 least noticeable designs were re-optimized. In the final prototype, the parts were placed at different heights and angles so as not to create a dark silhouette during rotation.
Not Perfect Yet: It Makes Noise
Phantom Twist can currently only fly in controlled test environments. It requires an external optical tracking system during flight. In addition, carbon fiber support rods and some connection cables can still be seen from certain angles.
Another problem researchers are trying to solve is noise. Although the drone is difficult to visually detect, the noise created by the propeller can give away its location. In the future, quieter propulsion systems and more transparent materials are aimed to be used.
What Will the Invisible Drone Be Used For?
The research team believes that Phantom Twist can be used in areas such as observing wild animals without disrupting their natural behaviors, examining wetlands, and inspecting critical infrastructures. It is also stated that a camera integrated into the rotating body could provide a 360-degree view in a single flight, contributing to navigation systems.
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