Real-Time Human Motion Tracking by Tello EDU Drone

Human movement tracking is useful in a variety of areas, such as search-and-rescue activities. CCTV and IP cameras are popular as front-end sensors for tracking human motion; however, they are stationary and have limited applicability in hard-to-reach places, such as those where disasters have occurred. Using a drone to discover a person is challenging and requires an innovative approach. In this paper, we aim to present the design and implementation of a human motion tracking method using a Tello EDU drone. The design methodology is carried out in four steps: (1) control panel design; (2) human motion tracking algorithm; (3) notification systems; and (4) communication and distance extension. Intensive experimental results show that the drone implemented by the proposed algorithm performs well in tracking a human at a distance of 2-10 m moving at a speed of 2 m/s. In an experimental field of the size 95x35m(2), the drone tracked human motion throughout a whole day, with the best tracking results observed in the morning. The drone was controlled from a laptop using a Wi-Fi router with a maximum horizontal tracking distance of 84.30 m and maximum vertical distance of 13.40 m. The experiment showed an accuracy rate for human movement detection between 96.67 and 100%.