The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and drones has marked a significant evolution in both drone technology and AI applications. Originally used for military purposes, drones have expanded into commercial and civilian domains. The incorporation of AI has enabled autonomous navigation, advanced image and data processing, and the development of drone swarms with coordinated behaviour. AI-powered drones interact seamlessly with IoT and big data systems, enhancing their applications in areas such as, agriculture, search and rescue, infrastructure inspection and management, environmental monitoring, to mention a few. Machine learning algorithms further empower them with predictive capabilities. Despite these advancements, the use of AI in drones raises important regulatory, ethical, and privacy concerns, calling for a balanced approach to their deployment and use in various sectors. This evolution represents a significant leap in making drones more autonomous, efficient, and versatile in handling complex tasks.

However, many challenges exist on integration of AI and drones, including developing autonomous decision-making capabilities that are reliable and safe in dynamic environments. Ensuring regulatory compliance, addressing data privacy, and bolstering cybersecurity are also critical due to the potential for data breaches and varying international laws. Energy efficiency is a concern, given the typically limited battery life of drones, as is the need for robust human-AI interaction mechanisms. Additionally, achieving sensor fusion for accurate environmental perception, ensuring ethical usage, scalability of operations, acquiring quality training data for AI models, and maintaining AI interpretability are paramount. Overcoming these obstacles requires a concerted effort from multiple disciplines to harness the full potential of AI-powered drones while mitigating associated risks.

The special session aims to foster new ideas, form collaborative partnerships, and set the agenda for future research and development in the area of AI-enabled drones. It will also serve as a platform for discussing policy recommendations and best practices for the responsible adoption of AI drones in society.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Autonomous Navigation and Control

• Computer Vision for UAVs

• Anti-Drones systems

• AI in Swarm of Drones

• Machine Learning for Predictive Maintenance

• Sensor Fusion and Situational Awareness

• AI for UAV Traffic Management

• Drone Data Analytics

• Communication and Connectivity

• Security Concerns with AI-Integrated UAVs

• Case Studies and Real-World Applications

• Paper Submission Deadline: January 15, January 29, 2024 (Extended!)

• Paper Decision Notification : March 15, 2024