Enhanced UAV Detection and Classification Using Machine Learning and MIMO Radars

In the present investigation, the impacts of antenna field of view (FOV) on the accuracy of machine learning (ML) models utilized for the classification of various unmanned air vehicle (UAV) types were systematically explored using full-wave electromagnetic simulation software. Initially, similar to many state-of-the-art works, an ML algorithm was meticulously trained under a particular condition where the relative angle between the UAVs and the antenna was kept at 0
$^{\circ}$
, yielding an accuracy of 96.5%. In contrast to the common practice, the trained ML model was subsequently subjected to testing at varied relative angles, spanning from 20
$^{\circ}$
to 90
$^{\circ}$
. Observational outcomes delineate a decrease in ML classification accuracy with an increase in the relative angle between UAVs and the antenna. Next, this study investigates the impact of utilizing multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) radar system for classification. The results indicate enhancement of UAV detection and classification efficacy when contrasted with a single-input-single-output (SISO) radar system, at 80
$^{\circ}$
, an accuracy of 60% for the MIMO antenna compared to 13% for the SISO antenna. To corroborate the results obtained by utilizing full-wave electromagnetic simulation software, a series of experimental laboratory measurements were undertaken. The empirical measurements were found to yield comparable ML accuracy, at 80
$^{\circ}$
, an accuracy of 38% for the MIMO antenna compared to 1% for the SISO antenna. This work underscores the paramount versatility achieved through invoking full-wave electromagnetic simulators alongside ML algorithms and the respective possible impact on standard practices when it comes to developing next-generation MIMO radar systems for UAV classification.