Robot Helicopter Project

Project overview

The objective of the Autonomous Flying Robot Project is to build autonomous flying robot capable of in-flight stability and navigation. Additional capabilities, such as payload deployment, may be added at a later stage. This project should serve as an educational opportunity and a source for independent study/research projects for students. There may also be opportunities to compete against other schools in competitions such as the National Aerial Robotics Competition.

Short Term Goals

• Hover in place at a constant altitude in an indoor, windless environment
• Fly forwards and turn at a constant rate and altitude
• Rudimentary dead reckoning navigation
• Achieve the above in an outdoor environment with a light breeze

Possible Future Goals

Environment sensing

• Obstacle avoidance
• Machine vision
• GPS waypoint navigation
• Payload deployment
• Advanced flight movements (backwards, sideways, etc)
• Aerobatics (rolls, flips, upside down, etc)

Design of First Robot

An electric, radio controlled model helicopter will serve as the chassis for the robot. A microcontroller, radio, and sensors will be added to control the helicopter. Model helicopters are a popular chassis for flying robots because they are cheap, readily available, and spare parts are easy to find. More exotic options, such as multi-rotor flying machines, might be considered in the future.

Costs for Short Term Goals

• $200 for Esky Belt CP Helicopter
• $150 for spare/upgrade parts for Esky Belt CP
• $20 for flight simulator
• $50 for 3 axis accelerometer
• $60 for two ultrasonic rangers
• $50 for three infra-red rangers
• $60 for digital compass

Total: $590 + shipping & tax