Low Cost Aerial Autonomy (U.S. Only)

Goals

To examine how small, low cost unmanned aerial vehicles can be used to deliver items, operate in constrained environments, and maximize efficiency. To achieve this, we will develop electromechanical designs, avionics, and algorithms for small, low cost, aerial vehicles. We will first focus on developing gliding vehicles that are catapult launched. Once the platforms are developed, we will use the systems to perform a series of increasingly complex example missions.
Due to ITAR and other access restrictions this project is limited to US citizens only.

Issues Involved or Addressed

Designing small gliding unmanned aerial vehicles. Achieving actuation, sensing, and computation with a small size, weight, and power footprint. Performing path-planning in advance and potentially in real time. Navigation using way-points or onboard sensors. Physically interacting with the environment for landing in constrained spaces or delivering items. Perceiving potential obstacles or risks of collisions. Reacting to un-modeled effects or disturbances

Partners/Sponsors

Sandia National Labs