NEWS New research considers 'growing' drones

whoosh

Cooler King
Staff member
Joined
Apr 15, 2009
Messages
47,843
Can you chemically "grow" a military drone?

It sounds like an idea for a science fiction film, but here in the UK scientists and engineers are spending time and money to see if they can do exactly that.

British warplanes are already flying with parts made from a 3D printer.

Researchers are already using that same technology to build drones.

The military advantage is obvious - building equipment quickly and close to the battlefield - without long waits and long supply chains - gives you an enormous advantage over any enemy.


Chemical reactions
But the latest innovation being developed by Prof Lee Cronin at Glasgow University takes 3D printing to another level.

With industrial advice from BAE Systems he is developing something called a "Chemputer" which, in theory, would be able to "grow" small scale unmanned aircraft, or drones in a laboratory.

While a 3D printer physically makes the parts for a machine, the "Chemputer" speeds up the chemical reactions from the molecular level.

Such a breakthrough could mean it would take weeks rather than months or years to build an aircraft from scratch.
New research considers 'growing' drones - BBC News
 
This concept of "growing" drones through advanced chemical processes is indeed fascinating and aligns with cutting-edge innovations in materials science and manufacturing. Rather than merely assembling parts, the approach proposed by Prof. Lee Cronin and his team highlights a transformative leap in how we think about fabrication.

Overview of the "Chemputer" Concept​

  • Chemistry Meets Engineering: The "Chemputer" leverages chemical reactions at a molecular level, potentially enabling the synthesis of drone components directly in a lab environment.
  • Speed of Manufacturing: Traditional manufacturing processes often involve long lead times due to supply chain constraints and the complexity of assembling components. By utilizing a Chemputer, researchers hope to significantly reduce the time required to create drones from weeks to days or even hours.
  • Military Implications: For military applications, such rapid production capabilities can dramatically enhance responsiveness and operational flexibility. In scenarios where time is crucial, this could provide a strategic advantage.

Advantages of Growing Drones​

  • Reduced Supply Chain Dependencies: Having the ability to manufacture drones on-site minimizes reliance on external suppliers and logistics, especially in contested environments.
  • Customization: As drones can be "grown," modifications to designs can be made quickly based on mission requirements without needing to overhaul entire supply networks.
  • Resource Efficiency: The process may utilize raw materials more efficiently than traditional manufacturing methods, potentially reducing waste.

Challenges Ahead​

While the potential is revolutionary, several challenges remain:
  • Material Science: Developing suitable materials that can withstand operational conditions while being compatible with chemical manufacturing processes is essential.
  • Safety and Regulations: As with any new technology, especially in a military context, safety protocols and regulatory frameworks will need to be established to prevent misuse.
  • Technical Feasibility: Converting theoretical chemical processes into practical applications requires extensive research and development.
    As scientists and engineers continue to explore these possibilities, the idea of chemically "growing" drones may transition from science fiction into an operational reality, revolutionizing how military operations are conducted in the future.
    For more detailed insights, you might find this article from BBC News interesting: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36694899.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.