This marked the team's first attempt at the Aerothon 2022 competition, setting it apart from previous multi-rotor challenges they had participated in. The competition presented a unique problem statement: to design a drone with a total weight of 2 kg, including a 200 g payload, effectively limiting the drone's structural and functional weight to 1.8 kg. The drone needed to navigate a course at an altitude of 100 feet, detect a target, and deliver the payload with precision, hitting the bull's eye.
To meet the strict weight constraints, the team experimented with innovative designs, materials, and 3D-printed components. Extensive testing and simulations guided the selection of lightweight yet durable materials, ensuring the drone could house all essential components without exceeding the weight limit. The team also developed custom ducts around the propellers to enhance aerodynamic efficiency, maximizing lift and thrust performance.
The team took a data-driven approach to solving the target detection problem. A custom dataset was generated based on the target specifications, and a machine learning model was trained to enable precise identification. The integrated system allowed the drone to autonomously detect the target and accurately deliver the payload to the designated spot, fulfilling the competition requirements.
After months of meticulous planning, designing, and testing, the team successfully built a drone that met all competition specifications. It demonstrated exceptional performance, navigating the course, detecting the target, and delivering the payload as required. The drone earned a 5th place overall finish nationally at Aerothon 2022 and won the award for the "Best Manual Flight," showcasing the team's ability to balance innovation, technical precision, and hands-on control.
Arrow’s participation in AEROTHON 2022 demonstrated team's commitment to pushing technological boundaries and delivering high-performance UAV solutions.