CORTO-Planner Speeds Tight-Space Drone Flight

Researchers at Durham University developed CORTO-Planner, an autonomous navigation system that helps drones recalculate smooth routes through narrow gaps, sharp turns, and maze-like obstacles in real time.

Simulations and physical-drone tests reported faster flight, higher average speeds, more usable flight space, and wider obstacle clearances than comparison systems. The openly available software could support missions such as inspection, search and rescue, environmental monitoring, and warehouse operations, although further testing is needed to establish performance in varied real-world conditions.