In a groundbreaking feat of engineering, researchers at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) have developed a drone that autonomously recharges by tapping into the magnetic fields of high-voltage power lines. Nicknamed the “vampire drone,” this innovative quadcopter addresses the critical limitation of battery life, enabling near-indefinite flight for tasks like power line inspections.
DRONE RUNS LOW ON BATTERY, STEALS ENERGY FROM POWER LINES
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 5, 2025
When this drone dives at power lines, it’s not broken—it’s basically just saying, “BRB, need a quick recharge.”
Built by some genius students in Denmark, the drone uses sensors and cameras to hunt down power lines when… pic.twitter.com/StKAJpNw7X
The drone, built on a Tarot 650 Sport frame, is equipped with advanced sensors, including mmWave radar and a global shutter USB camera, paired with a Raspberry Pi 4 B and Pixhawk V6X autopilot for precise navigation. When its 7,000-mAh battery runs low, the drone locates a power line, approaches from below, and uses a passively actuated gripper to latch onto the cable. A split-core current transformer then harnesses the magnetic field to recharge the battery while maintaining a secure hold, even in varying current conditions.
Tested at Denmark’s HCA Airport, the 4.3-kg drone sustained over two hours of autonomous operation, completing five inspection-recharge cycles. This technology, developed under the Drones4Energy project, promises to revolutionize infrastructure maintenance by reducing costs and risks associated with human inspections. However, concerns linger about legality, as inductively drawing power could be considered energy theft in some jurisdictions, potentially limiting commercial adoption.
This drone’s ability to “suck” energy from power lines marks a significant leap toward autonomous, long-endurance UAVs, with potential applications beyond inspections, from delivery to real-time grid monitoring.