Task offloading and trajectory control techniques in unmanned aerial vehicles with Internet of Things – An exhaustive review

Abstract

Objectives: This article reviews and provides an exhaustive examination of task offloading and trajectory control techniques in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) integrated with Internet of Things (IoT), highlighting their significance and impact on the UAV ecosystem. The paper begins by introducing the fundamental concepts of UAVs, IoT, and their integration, emphasizing the potential benefits and challenges of this union. Subsequently, it delves into an extensive exploration of task offloading, a critical aspect that optimizes UAV operations by distributing tasks between the UAV and edge/cloud computing resources. Various task offloading strategies, including computation offloading, data offloading, and control offloading, is discussed in detail, elucidating their role in optimizing resource utilization, energy efficiency, and real-time decision-making in UAVs.Methods: The review comprehensively covers trajectory control techniques, which are essential for ensuring UAVs can navigate through dynamic environments safely and efficiently. This study outlines the use of IoT technologies, such as GPS, sensors, and communication networks, to enable precise trajectory planning, obstacle avoidance, and adaptive path adjustments. It also discusses the integration of machine learning and AI algorithms for autonomous UAV navigation, taking into account environmental factors, mission objectives, and real-time data from IoT sources. The paper further discusses the challenges and potential security concerns associated with IoT integration in UAVs, as well as the emerging trends and future prospects of this dynamic field. It emphasizes the need for standardized protocols and robust cybersecurity measures to ensure the reliability and safety of UAV-IoT systems.Findings: This exhaustive review offers a comprehensive understanding of the synergistic relationship between UAVs and IoT, shedding light on the task offloading and trajectory control techniques that empower these autonomous aerial vehicles. By leveraging IoT technologies, UAVs are poised to continue transforming industries and driving innovation in ways previously unimaginable, making this interdisciplinary field an area of great promise and significance.