Unmanned aerial systems: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 10:05, 21 December 2006

Introduction

This is the "Autonomous Modular Wireless Aerial Device Systems" (AMWADS) project. This is a project I started because while I am interested in R/C devices as a curiosity, my interest lies more in the business and social implications of the technology.

News

This project that was started on and by: --Remi0o 05:08, 18 December 2006 (UTC).

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.

Specific questions that will be explored:

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 relatively 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 sleek?
- 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?

I am not an expert, so you have some expertise in the field or can answer some of these questions or add to this project, it would be appreciated.

What are AMWADS?

AMWADS 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.

This technology is different than other technologies such as "smart dust" because AMWADS are comparably HUGE. AMWADS have an estimated size of about 6cm to several meters.

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 AMWADS 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.

Antecdotally it seems that many of todays devices achieve commercial success because: they are highly functional and useful, fun, and sexy. AMWADS if they are viable, should be all these things.

Specifications

AMWADS always include:

An on board computer with:
- With memory
- Wireless communication capabilities
- A GPS unit
Brushless motor
Thin solar cells
Twin rotors
Lipo batteries
Requisite wiring

AMWADS might include:

Accelerometers (if needed)
Video cameras
Microphones
Speakers
Cameras
Payload storage
Para-shoot
Lights
Robotic components (e.g. arms/manipulators/tools)

AMWADS should be:

Lightweight
Sleek & Attractive
Functional
Useful
Easy to use

Data

The specs of one plane being sold on eBay include:

High-speed, high-torque 1880Kv brushless motor

1880Kv?

"E-flite 25A brushless ESC"

ESC?

"3-cell 11.1V 2200mAh Li-Po battery pack"

So about 24.42 watt hours or capable of 24.42 watts for one hour

The plan requires about 122.2 watts an hour if it runs for 12 minutes

"2- to 3-cell DC variable rate balancing Li-Po charger"

"Li-Po propeller with aluminum adapter"

"One-piece Z-Foam™ wing"

"Heavy-duty elevon hinges"

elevon hinges?

"Fully proportional 72MHz FM radio system with 3-wire servos"

"Vented battery and electronics compartments"

"High and low control rates selectable from transmitter"

"Large control surfaces for maximum roll and pitch authority"

"Factory-applied Tiger Meet paint scheme and decals"

"Wing Span: 37in (940mm)"

"Overall Length: 27in (690mm)"

"Flying Weight: 22oz (620g)"

1.375lbs for Americans

"Motor Size: 6-pole brushless direct-drive, 1880Kv"

"Radio: ParkZone 4 channel FM 72Mhz"

"Servos: Industry standard 3 wire"

"Trim Scheme Colors: Grey, Black, Yellow"

"CG (center of gravity): Approx 6 1/2" forward from trailing edge"

"Prop Size: 6 x 4"

That makes it seem pretty powerful

"Speed Control : E-flite 25amp brushless ESC"

"Recommended Battery: 3-cell 11.1v 2200 mAh Li-Po included"

"Approx. Flying Duration: 12-15 minutes"

"Available Frequencies: 6 channels on 72MHz"

"Charger: 2-3 cell variable rate DC balancing charger"

"Approx. Flying Speed: 80+ MPH"

Wow.

[http://cgi.ebay.com/ParkZone-F27-C-Stryker-Tiger-RTF-Electric-R- C-Airplane_W0QQitemZ230064497714QQihZ013QQcategoryZ2563QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem]

This does not make the feasibility of AMWADS seem promising. This is mainly because to allow for solar cells to give the needed power to keep such a device aloft for a long period of time, the amount of surface area of the state of the art light weight flexible solar cells required to compensate for even 25 percent of this vehicles power would require far too much surface area to be practical. AMWADS may have to move slowly or use some novel methods to meet specifications.

Ariel vehicles that exist should be researched here. Some things that should be considered when looking for case studies: longest flight time, highest speeds, novel blade configurations, best modular designs, etc.

Leads

Wikipedia Articles:

Wikibooks:

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Robotics:_Design_Basics:_Design_software

Accelerometers:

Gyros:

Gyros

Computers:

Gumstixs

Wireless:

Solar Cells

Powerfilm

Blades

6x4 Heli Prop

Motors

...

GPS

Cameras

http://www.spygadgets.com/spy-cameras/micro-cameras.html

Other sites of interest:

Software:

Collaborators

--Remi0o 09:56, 18 December 2006 (UTC)

Possible Future Implications

If it is found that this technology in this project is currently viable, and research produced at Wikiversity proves fruitful, then intellectual property issues come into play. At traditional universities, when new technologies are produced, often, the university earns money from licensing these technologies. I am not a lawyer so I cannot say what legally is or is not true, however, it should be stated right off the bat that if it is found that this technology is in fact new, and/or patentable, then, while the writings here are probably subject to the licenses inherent in the Wikimedia projects, proper compensation should be granted to both the Wikimedia Foundation and those involved in producing the research herein, if the licensing allows. This of course depends on: the law and customs surrounding the intellectual property contained herein, and/or the goodwill of those who ultimately adopt the technology if it is found viable, useful, and desirable. The Media Wiki system documents the progress.

@@ Line 121: / Line 121: @@
 * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_unmanned_aerial_vehicles
 * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unmanned_Ground_Vehicle
+Wikibooks:
+* http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Robotics:_Design_Basics:_Design_software
+Accelerometers:
+* [http://www.analog.com/en/prod/0,2877,ADXL202,00.html An Accelerometer]
+* [http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/categories.php?cPath=23_80 Accelerometers]
+Gyros:
+* [http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/categories.php?cPath=23_85 Gyros]
 Computers:
-* http://www.gumstix.org
+* [http://www.gumstix.org Gumstixs]
+** [http://gumstix.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=155 Mother Board]
+** [http://gumstix.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=171 WiFi Stick]
+** [http://gumstix.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=157 GPS Stick]
+Wireless:
+* [http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=148 Bluetooth Chip]
+* [http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=150 Bluetooth USB]
 Solar Cells
-* http://www.solar-world.com/PowerFilm.htm
+* [http://www.solar-world.com/PowerFilm.htm Powerfilm]
 Blades
-* http://www.readytoflyfun.com/hepropeller.html
+* [http://www.readytoflyfun.com/hepropeller.html 6x4 Heli Prop]
 Motors
 * ...
 GPS
-* http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/18/epson-cranks-out-worlds-smallest-gps-module/
+* [http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/18/epson-cranks-out-worlds-smallest-gps-module/ World's Smallest GPS Module]
+* [http://gumstix.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=157 GPS Gumstix]
+* [http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=7951 Chip]
 Cameras
-*http://www.spygadgets.com/spy-cameras/micro-cameras.html
+* http://www.spygadgets.com/spy-cameras/micro-cameras.html
 Other sites of interest:
-* http://cswww.essex.ac.uk/staff/owen/research.htm#The%20Flying%20Gridswarm,%20and%20the%20UltraSwarm
+* [http://cswww.essex.ac.uk/staff/owen/research.htm#The%20Flying%20Gridswarm,%20and%20the%20UltraSwarm Microheli Gumstix Swarms]
+* [http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=7906# Cellphone Camera]
+* [http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorial/BlueTooth/bluetooth_primer.htm Bluetooth Primer]
-Software
+Software:
-* http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Robotics:_Design_Basics:_Design_software
 * http://sourceforge.net/projects/wireless/
 * http://sourceforge.net/projects/ivt/

wikademia>Remi0o