NJIT Robotics Expert Talks Drones as the University Researches Them

New Jersey has been abuzz with reports of unidentified drones flying in its skies, sparking public curiosity and raising questions about their origin and purpose. Amid the growing concern, Associate Professor Pramod Abichandani, director of the Robotics and Data Lab (RADLab) and the Advanced Air Mobility (AAMLab) at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), has emerged as a voice in the conversation.

Abichandani, who has performed research for the Department of Defense and its various branches, and for defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, has a keen understanding of “swarming drones” that have been often reported.

Abichandani’s expertise in drone technology has made him a sought-after commentator in the national media, appearing on major news platforms such as CBS News, CNN and NBC to analyze the phenomenon. In his recent interview on CBS News, Abichandani provided valuable insights into distinguishing drones from planes and speculated on the possible motivations behind the sightings. 

“Drones are incredibly versatile, but their behavior patterns can offer clues to their purpose — whether they’re for commercial, recreational, or more mysterious uses,” Abichandani shared in a recent interview with NJ.com.

Through his appearances, Abichandani has not only demystified the technology but has also emphasized the importance of responsible drone use and regulation. His role in this high-profile case underscores NJIT’s prominence in advancing and explaining cutting-edge technologies.

As the drone saga unfolds, NJIT and the RADLab continue to stand at the forefront of robotics and data innovation, offering expertise that shapes public discourse and policy alike.

Drone research at NJIT

While the flurry of media coverage has thrust drone technology into public discourse, NJIT has been home to research in this area for years.

New Jersey Unmanned Aviation Systems Test Site

The NJUASTS is the only New Jersey Unmanned Aviation Systems Test Site established by the State of New Jersey. The founding agreement, made between the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and NJIT’s New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII), established the test site to advance the integration of Unmanned Aviation Systems (UAS) across all fields of use while assisting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the resolution of issues pertaining to the integration of UAS into the National Airspace System.

Through NJII’s program, NJUASTS leads NJ UAS research activities in support of the mission of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.

Currently, the site enables unmanned aerial research flight campaigns of UAS from less than 50 pounds up to and including Class III Department of Defense systems. Under its broader mission, NJUASTS supports economic development through the engagement of corporate and academic users wishing to perform research-based UAS missions to develop, integrate and demonstrate technology developments and novel applications of those technologies.

NJIT set a historic first when a team of medical personnel, emergency management specialists and drone technology experts conducted the first ship-to-shore drone delivery in the U.S. on the New Jersey coastline.


Aviation Technology Flight Simulator Laboratory

The Aviation Technology Flight Simulator Laboratory has five flight simulators, five drone simulators, radio equipment and an impressive drone flight area. The lab is operational and available for regional recruiting efforts that include but are not limited to NJIT aviation and amateur radio club activities, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, AFROTC Det 490 cadets and various regional organizations.


Advanced Air Mobility Lab

In the basement of Central King Building, NJIT converted a former high school swimming pool into the Advanced Air Mobility Laboratory. Strong netting surrounds the pool structure and camera tracking equipment hangs from the ceiling.

“Newark College of Engineering is focusing on endeavors that enable new and modern approaches to education and research. The construction of the Advanced Air Mobility Lab was fueled by the interests of our students, existing faculty and new faculty. We see tremendous interest in aerial vehicles from our students, mainly through their enrollment and interest in drone-related courses, like ENGR-423 Drone Science Fundamentals (designed and taught by Abichandani), and the volume of drone components and systems built in the Makerspace,” said Dan Brateris, executive director for experiential learning at NJIT.

“Additionally, we have several degree programs and faculty members that focus on geographic, traffic and environmental activities that are conducted using drones. The Advanced Air Mobility Lab will give these activities a controlled indoor space to operate, test, teach and learn within.”


Newark College of Engineering Drone Competition

The Highlander Drone Competition is an initiative that invites students across STEM fields to learn about modern drone technology to design, build and fly their own small drones. Over a series of weekly workshops students will learn how to assemble and calibrate small drones before having an opportunity to innovate and customize their drone. The goal is for teams to create a working drone to navigate an obstacle course. 

Student teams are eligible for awards and prizes for innovative design, payload and course completion and timed trials.