Video: Swarm of mini-choppers assists police in Japan

Four quadrocopters autonomously scan for "survivors" at the site of a simulated chemical explosion

By PoliceOne Staff

Mini choppers that assisted in an emergency drill conducted by Japanese police may find themselves a more permanent place on the force after the experiment's success.

In a video of the drill, four quadrocopters developed at Chiba University autonomously scan for "survivors" at the site of a simulated chemical explosion. In order to work, the machines rely on image processing and mathematical calculations from a host computer.

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Local police want to introduce the quadrocopters for reconnaissance, which could include monitoring explosions or keeping an eye on power lines, according to a report. 

Researchers reportedly said the exercise went "very well."