Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed how unmanned aerial vehicles can be used in an urban environment. The flying robots can be used as guides to help navigate around complex urban environments or aid search-and-rescue missions. While hovering just ahead of the user a flying robot can provide surprisingly intuitive navigation, freed from looking down at maps or screens.

The prototype project named SkyCall uses quadcopters to guide students around the MIT campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. By calling a guide through the custom SkyCall app, the nearest available quadcopter will locate the student, communicate with the student and lead him towards his desired destination. The quadcopter can not only autonomously sense and perceive its environment but also track its user through the app. It will notice when the user is too slow and subsequently hold its position. Also the app offers the possibility to pause and resume anytime.

SkyCall is part of SENSEable City Laboratory, a research initiative aimed at exploring novel use of technology in urban context. Currently they are exploring more positive uses of unmanned aerial vehicles.