In the rapidly evolving world of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly quadcopters, researchers are tackling the persistent challenges of nonlinear dynamics and robust control. A recent review published in *Engineering Reports* (translated from Amharic as “Engineering Reports”) by Elisabeth Andarge Gedefaw of the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Addis Ababa University, systematically examines advancements in UAV modeling and control techniques over the past five years. This research could have significant implications for the energy sector, where UAVs are increasingly used for inspections, monitoring, and maintenance of infrastructure.
UAVs, with their ability to navigate complex environments and capture high-resolution data, are revolutionizing industries from agriculture to transportation. However, their nonlinear dynamics and sensitivity to disturbances present formidable challenges. “The key to unlocking the full potential of UAVs lies in developing robust and adaptive control strategies,” says Gedefaw. Her review evaluates key modeling frameworks, including Newton–Euler, Newton–Quaternion, and Geometry-Based Stochastic Models (GBSM), and analyzes a spectrum of control strategies, such as observer-based, sliding mode, H-infinity, model predictive, and neural network-based controllers.
The study highlights critical limitations in handling uncertainties, scalability in UAV systems, and energy constraints. “Hybrid control strategies incorporating adaptive mechanisms, learning-based algorithms, and quaternion-based modeling offer significant potential for enhancing autonomy and control,” Gedefaw explains. This finding is particularly relevant for the energy sector, where UAVs are used for inspecting power lines, wind turbines, and pipelines. Robust control systems can improve the efficiency and safety of these operations, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
The review provides a foundational roadmap for researchers and practitioners aiming to develop intelligent, efficient, and scalable UAV control systems. As the energy sector continues to adopt UAVs for various applications, advancements in control techniques will be crucial. “The future of UAVs in the energy sector lies in their ability to adapt to dynamic operational environments,” Gedefaw notes. This research could shape future developments in the field, paving the way for more autonomous and reliable UAV systems.
Published in *Engineering Reports*, this comprehensive review offers valuable insights for those looking to harness the full potential of UAVs in the energy sector and beyond. As the technology continues to evolve, the findings from this study will be instrumental in driving innovation and improving the performance of UAVs in various industrial applications.