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
