Unmanned aerial systems

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.

• 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?

What?

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 UAS are comparably HUGE. UAS have an estimated size of about 6cm to several meters.

Workspace

• /Readings/
• /Specifications/
• /External links/

News

• December 18, 2006 - Project started.

External links

See /External links/ for the long list

• DIY Drones
• zSim flight simulator
• September 2008 Robot spyplanes get new role as medical couriers
• August 2008 QinetiQ says it has broken unmanned flight record