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Researchers have created a drone system that uses blockchain technology to improve search and rescue missions significantly. This innovative approach addresses key challenges related to flexibility and seamless cooperation among drones, allowing them to coordinate faster and adjust their missions in real-time. The system was developed by a team from Peking University’s School of Computer Science in collaboration with the Peking University Chongqing Research Institute of Big Data, the National Engineering Research Center for Software Engineering, and Nanjing University’s State Key Lab for Novel Software Technology.

New System Accelerates Secure, Real-Time Drone Coordination

Integrating blockchain technology into drones is crucial because it guarantees security, reliability, and collective decision-making during emergencies. The system works by dividing the blockchain network into smaller sections, known as “shards,” which speed up data processing. This quick data handling is crucial during large-scale rescue operations where every moment counts. For local communities and decision-makers, this effort offers a promising step toward more efficient disaster responses that could save more lives.

“Our new system is an innovation in search and rescue operations. By harnessing blockchain’s potential for rapid, secure, and decentralized communication among drones, we are setting a new benchmark in emergency management that can significantly reduce response times and save lives,” Prof. Zhong Chen, one of the lead researchers, remarked.

Paving the Way for Global Innovations in Emergency Response

The new system will drive significant progress in emergency management, drone technology, and blockchain development. It will inspire further innovations in public safety operations, influencing how emergency response policies and standards are set around the globe.

Dynamic Sharding Enhances Drone Capacity and Mission Coordination

The study shows that this innovative approach can support more drones than traditional blockchain methods. It enables rescue drones to quickly adapt to rapidly changing situations by dynamically forming dedicated “shards” for specific tasks. It also improves coordination among different groups of drones through effective interactions. Performance tests have demonstrated significant improvements in the speed and reliability of data processing, which are critical during rescue operations. Overall, the system overcomes previous limitations by organizing drone teams in real-time and allowing secure, verifiable communication, greatly enhancing the overall coordination during rescue missions.

Prototype Trials Confirm Flexible, Decentralized Drone Communication

Researchers tested the system using prototype drones connected through a blockchain-based process called “sharding.” In this method, the blockchain is split into smaller networks, allowing drones to communicate quickly and make decentralized decisions. The technology features unique mechanisms for automatically creating these shards and ensuring secure communication across different drone groups, making the system flexible and dependable in dynamic disaster conditions.

This achievement represents a significant step forward in emergency management technology. As the system matures, it is expected to deliver faster, safer, and more efficient rescue operations, benefiting communities worldwide.  The complete study is accessible via DOI: 10.1007/s11704-024-3467-8.