State-of-the-art in energy optimization for quadcopter UAVs: trends, techniques, and future directions

Purpose As quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) become increasingly prevalent in applications such as delivery services, environmental monitoring and aerial photography, optimizing their energy consumption remains a paramount challenge. This paper aims to address this critical aspect to enhance operational efficiency and extend mission durations by reviewing the latest trends and techniques in energy optimization. Design/methodology/approach This review systematically examines various strategies for reducing energy consumption, incorporating flight path optimization algorithms that account for wind conditions and terrain features, adaptive control systems capable of dynamically adjusting flight parameters in realtime and models and simulations for accurate energy consumption estimation. By analyzing recent advancements and comparing their effectiveness, the paper highlights both achievements and gaps in the field. Findings Key findings indicate significant progress in the development of sophisticated algorithms and control systems that contribute to energy savings. Integrating environmental factors, such as wind patterns and turbulence, into flight planning and control can lead to substantial improvements in energy efficiency. In addition, emerging trends, such as machine learning techniques for predictive modeling and real-time optimization, show great potential for further innovation. Originality/value The paper provides a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art techniques in energy optimization for quadcopter UAVs, highlighting the most recent advancements while identifying areas requiring further research. By placing emphasis on environmental integration and real-time adaptive strategies, it offers unique insights into future directions, underscoring how machine learning and advanced control methodologies can maximize energy efficiency in evolving UAV applications.