Acoustic detect-and-avoid for drones

By Daniel Bodony on 04/02/2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in 1611 Titan Dr., Rantoul, IL 61866

Join Daniel Bodony of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as he presents in person at the Spring 2026 Kent Seminar Series Thursday, April 2 from 2-3 p.m. (CT).

The Spring 2026 semester is set to feature 14 presentations, each addressing a topic related to innovation trends in aviation. See the full lineup of speakers for Spring 2026 semester.

Pizza and soft drinks will be provided beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the ICT Classroom. 

All presentations will be held on Zoom, but some speakers will present in person at ICT.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://go.illinois.edu/KentSeminar

Meeting ID: 856 1731 4207  
Passcode: 019160

Abstract and Bio

The use of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, throughout society has opened significant possibilities in search and rescue, inspection, logistics and conflict. One important challenge limiting drones’ ability to fly autonomously in active airspace without a human in the loop is maintaining separation from other aircraft. In this talk, Bodony will discuss a generic acoustic-based detect-and-avoid technology, a proprietary version of which has been deployed on Zipline’s P2 drone platform. This presentation provides historical context for acoustic detection, the essentials of a detect-and-avoid system, and details related to FAA regulatory language for operating it.

Bodony is a Donald Biggar Willett Faculty Scholar, Blue Waters Professor of Aerospace Engineering, and associate dean for research and graduate programs in The Grainger College of Engineering. He holds courtesy appointments in MRL, NCSA and MechSE, and he co-directs the Center for Hypersonics and Entry System Studies. His research focuses on the simulation and modeling of high-speed, high-enthalpy compressible flows, with specialties in fluid-thermal-structural interaction, control of shock-laden flows and aeroacoustics.