[[Image:MicroAirVehicle.jpg|thumb|[[w:Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake|Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake]], California - A Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) flies over a simulated combat area during an operational test flight. The MAV is in the operational test phase with military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams to evaluate its short-range reconnaissance capabilities.]]
==Goals==
=== Scope of this project ===
This project will attempt to assess whether or not the state of the art is currently conducive to this sort of technology, and if it is, how best to implement the technology.
This project will attempt to assess whether or not the state of the art is currently conducive to this sort of technology, and if it is, how best to implement the technology.
{{ntnes}}
Possible uses for this technology include: wireless mesh network clouds, speaker systems, lighting systems, video monitoring systems, cleaning and sanitation, shipping, reconnaissance aerial photography systems, and so forth.
Specific questions that will be explored:
* Can systems be made that can remain airborne a long period of time?
* Can systems be made that can remain airborne a long period of time?
** Are solar cells currently advanced enough to allow this?
** Are solar cells currently advanced enough to allow this?
** Do other technologies exist that could allow this?
** Do other technologies exist that could allow this?
** Can this be done relatively inexpensively?
** Can this be done inexpensively?
* Can software be developed to allow:
* Can software be developed to allow:
** Communication between these devices
** Communication between these devices
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Line 12:
** Communication between the ground
** Communication between the ground
** The devices to remain autonomous for long periods
** The devices to remain autonomous for long periods
* Can this be done to look attractive and sleek?
* Can this be done to look attractive and aesthetically pleasing?
** Can a twin blade design keep a vehicle aloft in an enclosure or in some hidden manner or other configuration?
** Can a twin blade design keep a vehicle aloft in an enclosure or in some hidden manner or other configuration?
* Is the technology marketable and useful?
== What? ==
==Workspace==
UAS are just what the name implies. They are devices that fly around, know what function they are supposed to perform, and then perform it. Possible uses for this technology include: wireless mesh network clouds, speaker systems, lighting systems, video monitoring systems, cleaning and sanitation, shipping, reconnaissance aerial photography systems. Many other uses could probably be thought up.
[[Image:MicroAirVehicle.jpg|200px|thumb]]
* [[/Readings/]]
This technology is different than other technologies such as "smart dust" because UAS are comparably HUGE. UAS have an estimated size of about 6cm to several meters.
* [[/Specifications/]]
This devices are unique to other autonomous aerial technologies because they are low cost and meant for more general and practical uses.
Other unique properties of UAS include that they run much longer than conventional aerial vehicles. Technologies such as light weight solar cells are integrated into the system so that are able to run independently for long periods.
Anecdotally it seems that many of todays devices achieve commercial success because: they are highly functional and useful, fun, and sexy. UAS if they are viable, should be all these things.
* [http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/10/14/radio-controlled-airplane-can-fly-for-10-hours-on-500-grams-of-h/ 'Radio controlled airplane can fly for 10 hours on 500 grams of hydrogen']
* [http://www.h2daily.com/news/nuvera-to-supply-fuel-cells-for-toro-vehicles-20070405-216-50.html Nuvera to supply fuel cells for vehicles.]
* [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/technology/technology.html?in_article_id=447317 Army invests in saucer technology...]
* September 2008 ''[http://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn14718-robot-spyplanes-get-new-role-as-medical-couriers.html Robot spyplanes get new role as medical couriers]
* August 2008 ''[http://www.physorg.com/news138798224.html QinetiQ says it has broken unmanned flight record]
* [http://sourceforge.net/projects/servo/ SAM (Servo Actuation Manipulator)] - Controls servo motors via serial port.
{{sfoot|Engineering}}
:<small>''See [[/External links/]] for the long list</small>
[[Category:Artificial intelligence]]
[[Category:Artificial intelligence]]
[[Category:Electrical engineering]]
[[Category:Electrical engineering]]
[[Category:Research]]
[[Category:Research]]
[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Autonomous aerial systems]]
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Latest revision as of 04:51, 8 April 2009
This project will attempt to assess whether or not the state of the art is currently conducive to this sort of technology, and if it is, how best to implement the technology.
Possible uses for this technology include: wireless mesh network clouds, speaker systems, lighting systems, video monitoring systems, cleaning and sanitation, shipping, reconnaissance aerial photography systems, and so forth.
Can systems be made that can remain airborne a long period of time?
Are solar cells currently advanced enough to allow this?
Do other technologies exist that could allow this?
Can this be done inexpensively?
Can software be developed to allow:
Communication between these devices
The devices to remain autonomous and safe
Communication between the ground
The devices to remain autonomous for long periods
Can this be done to look attractive and aesthetically pleasing?
Can a twin blade design keep a vehicle aloft in an enclosure or in some hidden manner or other configuration?
