Fraunhofer Develops Acoustic Drone-Detection System

The solution from Fraunhofer IDMT detects and locates drones outside the field of vision using intelligent acoustic sensor technology | Photo: Fraunhofer IDMT/Leona Hofmann

The Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology (IDMT) in Oldenburg has developed an acoustic sensor system capable of detecting and locating drones even when they are not visible to optical or radar-based platforms. The institute said the system is designed to address gaps in existing unmanned aerial system (UAS) detection networks, particularly in areas where terrain, weather or deliberate interference limits traditional sensing methods.

The acoustic technology can operate as a standalone solution or be integrated with radar, camera and lidar systems to form a multi-sensor network. According to Fraunhofer IDMT, its ability to “hear around corners” enables detection in built-up or forested environments where drones may approach without a clear line of sight.

Development of the system began in 2016 through the publicly funded AMBOS and ALADDIN research projects, which involved partners from Germany and several other European countries. These initiatives supported the refinement of detection algorithms and the design of a fully integrable system that can be incorporated into existing counter-UAS architectures.

Fraunhofer IDMT said the acoustic sensors operate with low energy consumption, allowing autonomous use with rechargeable batteries. The system can also trigger additional sensors after initial acoustic detection. Depending on the noise environment, the detection range is between 50 and 200 meters, with a temporal resolution of one second. The institute notes that the same technology could be adapted for monitoring other acoustic events, including vehicles or gunshots, and can be deployed across large areas due to the sensors’ availability and operational flexibility.

Christian Rollwage, Head of Audio Signal Enhancement at Fraunhofer IDMT, said: “With our acoustic technology, we offer an inexpensive and low-maintenance addition to existing drone detection systems.”

Fraunhofer IDMT is targeting defence and security companies that already use radar, optical or lidar-based drone detection systems, along with system integrators and drone manufacturers seeking airborne sensing capabilities. The institute has also released a video demonstrating the system’s functionality.