This paper reviews a majority of the nature-inspired algorithms, including heuristic and meta-heuristic bio-inspired and non-bio-inspired algorithms, focusing on their source of inspiration and studying their potential applications in drones. About 350 algorithms have been studied, and a comprehensive classification is introduced based on the sources of inspiration, including bio-based, ecosystem-based, social-based, physics-based, chemistry-based, mathematics-based, music-based, sport-based, and hybrid algorithms. The performance of 21 selected algorithms considering calculation time, max iterations, error, and the cost function is compared by solving 10 different benchmark functions from different types. A review of the applications of nature-inspired algorithms in aerospace engineering is provided, which illustrates a general view of optimization problems in drones that are currently used and potential algorithms to solve them.

In this paper, the performance of Model-Free Adaptive Control (MFAC) has been investigated on a novel and specific moving-mass controlled (MMC) flying robot system. The novel one-degree-of-freedom (1 DOF) MMC flying robot test bed presented in this paper has highly nonlinear and slow dynamics with a variable center of gravity (CoG) and moment of inertia. This makes the control of this system a challenging problem. One of the solutions to this challenge is the use of data-driven control methods, in particular, MFAC. This controller uses a data-driven model to control the system using only input and output (I/O) data. This paper compares this data-driven controller with proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, and Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) as two model-free and model-based controllers which are widely used controllers in industry. The results of the comparison show that in the various scenarios applied, MFAC has a clear superiority over the PID and LQR, and its adaptive structure gives more freedom of action in the implementation of different scenarios and the presented noise. The results are obtained using the Integral Time Absolute Error (ITAE) criteria and the mean maximum error has also been compared in a Monte Carlo analysis. For a more detailed study, the amount of control energy consumption was also compared, which showed a clear superiority of the MFAC. Also, the robustness of the controller was demonstrated by introducing uncertainty in the plant parameters and by running 100 Monte Carlo simulations with random initial conditions. Finally, despite the PID controller, the MFAC followed the desired scenarios well and compared to LQR consumed less energy. The results demonstrate that the MFAC outperformed the PID and LQR controllers in the presence of random initial conditions and noise in terms of mean maximum error $$(70.4\%)$$( 70.4 % ) , mean ITAE $$(91\%)$$( 91 % ) , and energy consumption $$(46\%)$$( 46 % ) .

This paper studies the developments of urban air mobility by a focus on the configurations and flight mechanisms of the different vehicles in this field. This s

This paper examines developments in urban air mobility (UAM), the configurations and flight mechanisms of different aerial vehicles. Despite the interest generated around UAM, there seems to be a gap in the literature concerning a systematic comparative analysis of different configurations, especially regarding their appropriateness for given applications, performance under fault conditions, and potential in even more foresightful but neglected designs. The other problems standing in the way of current UAM technologies are limited payload capacity, endurance, and energy efficiency, all of which work against successful commercialization. This study, therefore, considers a representation of 53 of the more prominent UAM aircraft, classified into a number of groups, paving a way for the in-depth study of important specifications such as range, speed, endurance, cargo capacity, number of passengers, and dimensions. Twelve general UAM configurations are identified, along with their advantages, disadvantages, and fault tolerance. Some underutilized designs are highlighted as worthy of more attention due to their potential. An attempt is made to link UAM configurations to specific applications, such as transportation, emergency response, and cargo delivery, in order to provide specific recommendations for each application. This work challenges standard design thinking, thus inciting designers to explore unusual avenues. The outcome is a useful analysis for researchers and engineers to look at UAM technologies in a different light while opening up possibilities for unconventional and creative designs.