Leiria researchers build round-the-clock autonomous drone forest watch

Researchers at Leiria and Oeste University's CIIC centre have upgraded their DBoidS forest surveillance system so drones can now monitor at-risk areas continuously, day and night. A smart dock automatically handles landing, recharging and takeoff, letting one drone fly while another recharges, overcoming the 15-minute battery limit shown in a June 2025 prototype. The system combines drones, AI and digital twins to detect fire risks and alert authorities in real time. Developed with GNR's Leiria command, it is not yet deployed operationally; the team is still refining the platform and validating it with the GNR before field use.