Introduction

The programming languages that are used in Unmanned Aerial Systems play a cardinal role to influence their functionality as well as performance. Operators basically use the languages for various purposes such as data gathering, analysis, mapping, database retrieval, as well as project presentation. According to Ismail et al (2018), UAS systems work by showcasing advanced behaviour as there is a limited level of human intervention. Thus the programming languages that are used act as the main medium to shape how these innovative systems respond and react to diverse situations (Ismail et al., 2018).

In the current times there exist a broad range of programming languages such as Matlab, R, Java, Python, etc that can be integrated into drones. But the UAS operators must make sure that a suitable programming language is chosen which simplified how the systems perform. The application of popular languages including MATLAB and R has been critically explored to understand how they contribute to UAS designing.

Use of programming language in UAS designing

Unmanned Aerial Systems are the autonomous vehicles that can be remotely controlled by the operator. As there is no pilot on board in these vehicles, the operators rely on the communication and engagement that they have with the system which influences the operational and performance aspects. The programming languages that are used act as the medium which connects the operator with a UAS system. According to Mottola, autonomous drones are extremely powerful devices whose capabilities are influenced by the language that is used. The language acts as the chief tool which enables the autonomous system with reason with the external space and proceeded in the intended path in a seamless manner. The use of a suitable programming language plays a key role in drones as it allows the programmers to deal with concurrent issues and problems that could exist between the drone operations in the field and the data processing aspect. The use of a suitable programing language in UAS systems influences the sensing application. It enables the operator to have a better degree of control over how the vehicle functions with limited human intervention (Mottola et al., 2014). The role of programming languages is considered to be indispensable in Unmanned Aerial Systems. This is because the language enables the system to perform a level and stable flight which is the most fundamental and important function of the drone.

Use of MATLAB in the designing of Unmanned Aerial Systems

MATLAB is a programming language that is commonly known as matrix laboratory. It serves as a multi-paradigm programming language as well as a numeric-based computing environment. It is considered to be very effective as compared to other programming languages. While other languages typically work with numbers in a sequential manner, MATLAB operates on whole matrices as well as arrays (Language Fundamentals. Language Fundamentals - MATLAB & Simulink - MathWorks India, 2020).

A number of studies has been carried out in the recent times that shed light on how the programing language influences the functional and technical aspects of an Unmanned Aerial System. According to Alarcon and Santamaria, the model-based design of a UAS system acts as the very backbone of its development phase. The programming language that is implemented in the design has a cardinal impact on the functioning of the core design elements. The authors in their study have made use of MATLAB/Simulink code generation tools. The programming language that is used in drones impacts the degree of control over the robotic components of the system such as the arms (Santamaría et al., 2012).

According to the study by Bagheri, MATLAB acts as an extremely powerful tool for engineers working on UAS systems as it enables them to simulate and analyse a diverse range of mathematical models as well as control systems. For instance, the programming language has MATLAB Lab Aerospace Toolbox/ Blockset which helps in the simulate of aircraft control and dynamics. The toolbox in the programming language fundamentally helps to visualize and assess the aerospace vehicle and thus assists in the smooth functioning of UAS systems with limited human interaction (Bagheri, 2014,p . 58).

The functional aspects of an unmanned aerial system can be categorized into aircraft or platform, sense, perceive, plan and decide, control and connect or communicate. As humans have restricted involvement when it comes to handling these activities, the responsibility of each of these functions lies on the system and its technical components. An operator merely provides direction to the autonomous machine. In such a scenario, the role of the MATLAB programming language is pivotal as it impacts the management of sensor data. It basically assists in the designing and development of autonomous algorithms and supports interface with sensors and other applications. The properties of the language support persistent memory within the autonomous object which shapes the function for each and every phase of the system including validation, initialization, and reset.

Role of Simulink in UAS

Simulink is a well-known MATLAB-based graphical programming environment that is used for the purpose of modelling, performing simulation and examining multi-domain dynamical systems. In the Unmanned Aerial System context, the block diagram environment is considered to play an important role as it significantly contributes in the design process. It primarily facilitates system-level design and supports the testing of the device before it is actually modelled as a drone. Simulink is considered to be very useful by operators as well as engineers who work on UAS designing aspects as it assists them while working on automatic code generation, supports continuous testing and facilitates the verification of the embedded systems in the Unmanned Aerial System. According to the study by Casaso, MATLAB-based Simulink offers requisite support in drones by deploying flight control algorithms. It is considered to be very effective in nature as it integrates the ‘model-based design’ method which is considered to be a necessity in the designing of cyber-physical equipment (Casado & Bermúdez, 2021). Simulink also influences the navigation system and the vision subsystem which is responsible to process the images that have been captured by the camera. It also supports the flow of information which impacts the overall operations of the UAS systems (Casado & Bermúdez, 2021, p. 3).

Use of R programming language in the designing of Unmanned Aerial Systems

R is a common programming language that is used for performing a diverse range of functions such as statistical analysis, reporting as well as graphical representations. This environment is considered to be suitable in different kinds of domains including the field of Unmanned Aerial Systems (What is R, 2020).

In the aerospace context, the R language is considered to be one of the best programming languages which influences various elements such as the ability to interface with the hardware and the ease of conducting tests. One of the main attributes of the language that significantly contributes in drone designing is that all the actions of the R language are performed on the objects that are stored in the active memory of the system and thus no temporary files are used. The data that is collected and interpreted by using the language can be easily used from a remote server via the internet by the engineer to work on the technicalities of the UAS system (Paradis, 2005). The high-quality graphical output that is generated by using the programming language simplifies the mapping process. In addition to this, the language enables the operator to carry out a comprehensive spatial analysis by using a broad range of statistical tests. Some of the key functions of the programming language that assist in the designing of Unmanned Aerial Systems include data manipulation, linear and non-linear statistical modelling, etc. The environment allows a UAS operator to create a function and pass on control to it along with suitable arguments. Once the intended actions have been performed, the function gives back control to the operator and thus assists in designing and streamlining the automatic components of a drone.

Basic needs of a UAS application

An unmanned Aerial System needs a number of elements without which it cannot function. Giordan and Adams have identified several cardinal components of UAS systems. It is necessary to take into account various aspects so that the basic requirements of a UAS application can be taken care. Some of the key considerations relate to the ease of use, cost aspects, transportability, and the ability to function in diverse areas (Giordan et al., 2020). As a UAS system is an aerial system which functions by using technology, it is very important to lay emphasis on the hardware as well as the software requirements. The core technical components that are required for an Unmanned Aerial System to function include the airframe, the navigation system, and the control systems. The programming language that is used in a UAS acts as the binding components that ensure that each of the elements of a drone operates and functions in a streamlined manner (Giordan et al., 2020). It is necessary to take into consideration the security aspects as well while working on a UAS application. According to Siddappaji, a solid cybersecurity framework can safeguard a UAS application and its technologies and processes from unauthorized access by online criminals and attackers (Siddappaji & Akhilesh, 2020).

Conclusion

Unmanned Aerial Systems rely on various technical elements and components to effectively and successfully function remotely. The programming language that is used by the operators and engineers influences various design aspects of these automated systems. MATLAB and R are two of the most effective programming languages that influence various activities and functions in UAS or drone systems such as data collection and data analysis, mapping, database retrieval, and project presentation. In fact, the language that is selected in a UAS application acts as the ultimate medium between the UAS operator and the autonomous machine. It helps to establish a connection between them so that the autonomous vehicle can be remotely handled.