Researchers Mireille “Mimi” Boutin from Purdue University and Gregor Kemper from Technical University have developed a system that allows drones to orient themselves in space. The drone will be able to measure the distance separating it from various objects through echo generations, i.e., like bat-like echolocation. The generated sound was recorded and corresponded to the distance from the obstacle. So far, researchers can enforce the drone’s capabilities only when it is stationary, but they are already working on using this technology on the fly. Drones would not be dependent on cameras and GPS signals, so they could help search for night patrols, especially in places where there is no light.