OSCAR microdrone research. Researcher observing a microdrone that is being used to test the OSCAR system. OSCAR (optical scanning sensor for the control of autonomous robots) is a way for drones to 'see' their surroundings in a similar way to that of a flying insect. Microdrones, also known as MAVs (micro air vehicles), are being designed for a wide range of surveillance purposes. The OSCAR system was developed by the Biorobotics Research Group of the Movement and Perception Laboratory at the University of the Mediterranean, Marseille, France. The results were published in 2003.