Drone Navigation Using DRL

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Authors: N Gowthami, Likitha R, K Bharath, P Kumari Padmaja, S Mahesh Reddy
Cited by: 0

Abstract

This research explores the implementation of Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) to facilitate autonomous drone navigation within complex and unpredictable environments. Traditional navigation systems often rely on rigid, pre-programmed trajectories that struggle with real-time obstacles or environmental shifts. To overcome these limitations, the proposed framework utilizes a trial-and-error learning mechanism, allowing the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to autonomously discover optimal flight paths and obstacle-avoidance strategies through continuous interaction with its surroundings. .By integrating high-frequency environmental sensing with adaptive learning algorithms, the system enhances its navigational precision and safety across diverse settings, including urban landscapes, rural terrains, and confined indoor spaces. A core component of the framework is the integration of proactive collision prediction and avoidance strategies, which significantly bolster operational reliability. The architecture is designed with scalability in mind, providing a foundation for multi-drone coordination and collaborative mission execution in high-density scenarios. This DRL-driven approach represents a shift toward truly intelligent, self-evolving aerial robotics capable of maintaining high mission success rates in dynamic, “in-the-wild” conditions.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Reinforcement Learning in Robotics Robotic Path Planning Algorithms Aerospace Engineering and Control Systems

Publication details

Journal / source
International Journal of Emerging Research in Science Engineering and Management
Volume
2
Issue
1
Pages
280–287
Publication date
30 January 2026