MIT Develops MiFly System for Drones to Navigate Indoors

MIT researchers have developed a new system called MiFly that enables drones to self-localize in indoor, dark, and low-visibility environments using radio frequency waves reflected by a single tag. This advancement addresses the limitations of GPS and traditional navigation methods, allowing drones to navigate complex warehouse environments more effectively. MiFly's implementation is cost-effective, requiring only one small tag that can be easily installed, significantly enhancing indoor operational capabilities for autonomous drones. The researchers conducted extensive flight experiments, demonstrating that MiFly can localize drones with an accuracy of fewer than 7 centimeters. This innovation could pave the way for widespread use of drones in inventory management and logistics. The findings highlight the potential of using millimeter waves for navigation beyond conventional visible spectrum techniques.