Agricultural drone detection radars often face complex and ever-changing environmental challenges during operation. For example, farmlands are filled with various obstacles, including trees, utility poles, houses, animals, and even occasionally moving objects. At the same time, since agricultural drones typically fly at low altitudes (only 2–3 meters above the ground), their detection radars are susceptible to ground echo interference, which may lead to misidentification.

Therefore, agricultural drone detection radars must possess extremely high resolution and sensitivity to accurately identify various obstacles in farmlands. The new generation of agricultural drone detection radars adopts advanced 4D imaging radar systems, achieving “nanny-level” flight protection and significantly improving operational stability and user experience.

This radar system integrates 4D imaging radar and terrain-following radar technologies, providing drones with comprehensive environmental perception and terrain-following flight capabilities. It can accurately detect the position, distance, direction of movement, and speed of obstacles within a 40-meter range, automatically predict trajectories, and achieve smooth bypassing. It is suitable for autonomous operations in various complex scenarios such as mountains, hills, plains, and orchards.

Obstacle identification performance is primarily influenced by two factors: radar cross-section (RCS) and reflectivity. The larger the RCS (e.g., the larger the surface area of the obstacle), the easier it is to detect. Reflectivity, on the other hand, is related to material properties. For instance, metals have high reflectivity and are easily identified, while materials with low reflectivity, such as plastic or foam, are more difficult for the radar to detect.

An agricultural drone detection radar suitable for farmland environments must be equipped with a high-resolution antenna to accurately identify obstacles in complex terrains. It also requires extremely high detection sensitivity to ensure that even smaller objects are not overlooked.

The 4D imaging radar used in this product is an automotive-grade millimeter-wave radar. It is equipped with a millimeter-wave antenna array capable of transmitting and receiving signals simultaneously in both horizontal and vertical directions, along with a gimbal system that can swing in real time. Traditional millimeter-wave radars typically only offer obstacle perception in the horizontal direction. Even if they support 360° rotation, their detection capabilities in the vertical direction remain relatively limited.

In contrast, 4D imaging radars are specifically enhanced with vertical antennas, enabling efficient identification of vertical obstacles. Combined with a dynamic gimbal system, their detection range can cover a wide area from 45° below to 90° above the drone’s flight direction. Paired with a downward-facing terrain simulation radar, it provides comprehensive protection for the drone’s forward movement, ensuring a more stable and reliable flight process.

If you would like to learn more about the technical details and application solutions of agricultural drone detection radars, feel free to contact us at any time!

Further Reading