Perceive
Ground and aerial sensors observe the environment, robot positions and obstacles.
Experimental robotics · Luxembourg
Extending drone endurance through mobile laser power.
AUROS explores how a ground robot and an aerial drone can coordinate to transfer energy by laser while moving through complex environments.
AIR NODE / UAVGROUND NODE / UGV
Mobile laser powerCoordinated autonomyShared 3D perceptionExperimental validation
01 / The project
More time airborne.
More freedom on the ground.
Small electric drones are constrained by battery capacity. AUROS investigates a different approach: transferring energy from a mobile ground robot to a drone while both platforms coordinate their movement and maintain a clear line of sight.
One system. Two robots.
A continuously changing environment.
Research targets
To be assessed through experimental validation.
100–120 WTarget electrical power delivered to the drone
Up to 35 mTarget robot-to-drone transfer distance
3×Target compared with the drone’s original flight duration
Targets—not demonstrated performance claims.
02 / The system
Power and autonomy,
designed to work together.
AUROS combines laser power transfer with robotic perception, mapping, planning and control. The objective is to keep the beam path viable while both platforms move safely through their environment.
Understand
A shared 3D situational model combines geometry with semantic information.
Coordinate
Motion planning calculates complementary paths for the ground robot and drone.
Transfer power
A steerable ground station directs laser energy to a converter on the drone.
Research architecture · Components and behaviour subject to validation.
03 / Research areas
Four disciplines.
One coordinated system.
Laser power transfer
A steerable laser station, receiver integration and supporting power systems connect the ground and airborne platforms.
Perception & mapping
The University of Luxembourg’s simultaneous localisation and mapping research supports robot positioning and a changing 3D model of the environment.
Situational graphs
Developed at the University of Luxembourg, S-Graphs add meaning and relationships to geometric maps, representing spaces, objects and moving obstacles.
Planning & control
The university’s trajectory optimisation research aims to balance obstacle avoidance, mission coverage and a clear power-transfer line of sight.
04 / Collaboration
Complementary expertise.
One research objective.
Industrial partner
SkyGrids / The Lunar Grid, S.à r.l.
Laser power transfer, systems engineering and integration.
Academic partner
SnT · University of Luxembourg
The Automation and Robotics Research Group contributes expertise in perception, situational awareness, motion planning and control.
Joint Call · Defence 2024Luxembourg research collaboration
05 / Research status
Built to be tested.
AUROS is an experimental proof-of-concept research project. Its power, range and endurance figures are targets that will be assessed through system integration and experimental validation.
Research conceptSystem integrationExperimental validation
06 / Get in touch
Explore a research or
integration opportunity.
If you would like to discuss AUROS, a research collaboration or a potential application, contact the SkyGrids team.
Contact SkyGrids