Lightweight UAV target detection algorithm

Abstract Aiming at the public area UAV detection task, the target is easy to occlude, the scale variation is large, and the existing detection algorithm model parameters are large. In this paper, the lightweight network model YOLOv5s-UD is designed for the low-altitude UAV target detection algorithm. In this detection model, the proposed approach employs the streamlined Shufflenetv2 architecture to enhance the core network. To optimize the UAV’s relevant feature data, the CBAM attention module is integrated during the feature amalgamation phase. Furthermore, the GSConv is implemented to upgrade conventional convolution within the neck network, ensuring a reduction in model parameters without compromising detection precision. Experimental outcomes reveal a 36.2% computational reduction compared to the YOLOv5s algorithm, with an average detection accuracy of 84.1%. This demonstrates the algorithm’s capability to efficiently detect UAV targets while minimizing computational loads, thereby exhibiting significant practical significance.