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Unmanned Aircraft Clustered via Bluetooth

Posted by timothy on from the zip-around-the-room dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Researchers at the University of Essex are using Linux and tiny embedded computer modules to build fleets of unmanned aircraft that fly in flocking formations like birds, while performing parallel, distributed computing tasks using Bluetooth-connected Linux clustering software. The Gridswarm project includes model trainers that can fly 120mph, while a parallel Ultraswarm project uses co-axial helicopters. A prototype of the later is believed to the world's smallest flying web server. The aircraft will run Linux on embedded computing modules from Gumstix."

3 of 189 comments (clear)

  1. Oh great, both at once by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Imagine a beowulf clust... I mean... imagine if you ran linux on... I mean... ARRGH!

    MY BRAIN CAN'T COPE!

  2. They just gave "shutdown" a whole new meaning :) by Seiruu · · Score: 5, Funny

    *imagines little MPAA people running around with guns*

  3. Well, against the slashdot effect .. by RedLaggedTeut · · Score: 5, Funny

    You know, I wonder WHY does one NEED a flying webserver that's small?

    Obviously, when a webserver detects the slashdot effect, it will signal the UWWWWCOM, which will quickly deploy a flock of webservers towards the site to serve webpages.

    Then, when the slashdot effect cools off, the flying webservers can be redeployed as necessary, maybe to provide entertainment to soldiers in Iraq.

    A very efficient use of resources, isn't it?

    --
    I'm still trying to figure out what people mean by 'social skills' here.