May 9, 2011 10:51 pm EDT

GRASP Lab quadrocopters learn to follow the leader and fly in formation

The University of Pennsylvania's GRASP Lab has already recklessly taught its autonomous quadrocopters to move in packs, fly through hoops and build things on their own, and it's now for some reason decided to teach them yet another trick they'll surely use against us one day. As you can see in the video above, the quadrocopters are now able to take cues from a leader and fly in formation. What's more, they can even continue with the formation if one loses communication and falls out of the pack, which the researchers note is key to the success of any swarm. Isn't that reassuring?

GRASP Lab quadrocopters learn to follow the leader and fly in formation originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 May 2011 18:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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