Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are bridging the gap between military robots and their human counterparts, by teaching drones to understand human gestures

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Drones have become a ubiquitous part of US military operations around the world but despite their wide use drones do not yet operate on aircraft carriers, though the Navy would like them to. This is because neither remote nor autonomous drones can react and respond to the signals given by deck handlers on the carrier and this is crucial for maintaining order and safety.

While automated takeoffs and landings have been in existence for years the quick responses and decisions necessary for taxiing remain difficult challenges for drones.

Work like this is not only useful for the military teaching computers to understand gestures may improve the way we interact with technology.

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