Drone-based human motion capture: A review

Human motion capture (HMC) plays a vital role in fields such as biomechanics, sports, and rehabilitation. However, the traditional HMC systems are often limited by their high costs, indoor constraints, and restricted flexibility levels. In recent years, an increasing number of researchers have explored the potential of drone-based HMC as an alternative approach. After screening 2757 records obtained from four major literature databases, we identified 34 relevant studies. These studies were summarized and categorized on the basis of the types of drones and cameras used, the methods employed for human pose detection and estimation purposes, the algorithms utilized for drone motion control, their real-time processing capabilities, and their applications. This review identifies the key challenges, including standardization, accuracy, real-time performance, and automation, and proposes solutions based on recent technological advancements. This systematic review is expected to serve as a valuable reference for researchers in the fields of sports and health. By providing insights into the state-of-the-art approaches and future directions, it can guide the development of more efficient and accurate systems for real-world applications.