For anyone who has ever flown a drone or driven a car, the prospect of a major collision is an ever-present concern. Even with the best safety protocols in place, there are still instances where unexpected hazards can cause a crash that may be out of the control of the driver or drone operator.

Fortunately, Darius Burschka, professor at the Technical University of Munich, is working to keep drones and cars safe from these kinds of accidents. He uses a technique called “constant bearing” that was originally used by navigators at sea.

This technique involves tracking every point in images generated by cameras carried by the drones and cars at all times. With this constant tracking of every point, any impending collision can be detected very early in the process, allowing the drivers to take evasive action and avoid a crash.

This technology will be particularly useful for driverless cars. With all of the sensors and computers inside the car, it can be difficult for the operator to detect all possible collisions. With Burschka’s constant bearing technique, it will be much easier for the on-board computers to detect potential hazards and guide the car out of danger.

Overall, the work of Darius Burschka is paving the way for the future of autonomous transport. By applying the “constant bearing” technique to drone and car cameras, drivers, drone operators, and especially autonomous drivers can stay safe and avoid any unexpected collisions.