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Definitely the most interesting part of this project in my opinion. > This is the first time we have used our new machine learning powered algorithms to keep b

Definitely the most interesting part of this project in my opinion. > This is the first time we have used our new machine learning powered algorithms to keep balloons clustered over Puerto Rico, so we’re still learning how best to do this. As we get more familiar with the constantly shifting winds in this region, we hope to keep the balloons over areas where connectivity is needed for as long as possible. https://blog.x.company/how-project-loons-smart-software-learned-to-sail-the-winds-ec904e6d08c https://blog.x.company/how-project-loons-smart-software-lear... Apparently, back in 2016 they launched the balloons from Puerto Pico to do their first test of the autopilot system in Peru. Now they are flying the balloons from Nevada to implement it in Puerto Rico. > we had figured out how to cluster balloons in teams, dancing in small loops on the stratospheric winds, over a particular region.

slackingoff2017 9y ago
This is insane. They're using ML to predict wind speeds at different altitudes and how to move the balloons with their various speed and power restrictions to optimize on-the-ground connectivity while maintaining close enough clusters and decent backhaul. Incredible.
- ballooney 9y ago
  To be clear, it's not so much they are using ML to predict wind speeds at different altitudes; they use a forecast model like everyone else for that. The clever bit is being able to control your altitude such that you find favorable wind-altitude tuples to be in to keep you generally in one spot over days/weeks. It's sort of like what ocean/circumnavigating sailors do but in a higher dimensional space, both literally and in your search algorithm. Fascinating stuff.
  - oh_sigh 9y ago
    The loons don't need to stay in one spot - for example, two loons could rotate around a common center point and provide good service. Allowing the loons to wander while optimizing ground connectivity is harder computationally but makes it possible to maintain good connections even if the wind isn't entirely cooperating.
deleted 9y ago
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slackingoff2017 9y ago

This is insane. They're using ML to predict wind speeds at different altitudes and how to move the balloons with their various speed and power restrictions to optimize on-the-ground connectivity while maintaining close enough clusters and decent backhaul. Incredible.

ballooney 9y ago
To be clear, it's not so much they are using ML to predict wind speeds at different altitudes; they use a forecast model like everyone else for that. The clever bit is being able to control your altitude such that you find favorable wind-altitude tuples to be in to keep you generally in one spot over days/weeks. It's sort of like what ocean/circumnavigating sailors do but in a higher dimensional space, both literally and in your search algorithm. Fascinating stuff.
- oh_sigh 9y ago
  The loons don't need to stay in one spot - for example, two loons could rotate around a common center point and provide good service. Allowing the loons to wander while optimizing ground connectivity is harder computationally but makes it possible to maintain good connections even if the wind isn't entirely cooperating.

deleted 9y ago

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