Unmanned aerial systems

Autonomous Modular Wireless Aerial Devices (AMWADS)

Introduction

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.

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
  • Communiation between the ground
  • The devices to remain autonomous for long periods
  • ...
• Can this be done to look attractive and sexy?
• Is the technology marketable and useful?
• Can a twin blade design keep a vehicle a loft in an enclosure or in some hidden manner?

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

AMWAD systems 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

AMWAD systems might include:

• Accelerometers (if needed)
• Video cameras
• Microphones
• Speakers
• Cameras
• Payload storage

AMWAD system should be:

• Lightweight
• Sexy
• Functional
• Useful
• Easy to use

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 in this project. This of course depends on: the law surrounding the intellectual property contained herein, and the goodwill of those who ultimately adopt the technology if it is found viable, useful, and desirable. The Media Wiki system, however, documents the progress of this project that was started on and by: --Remi0o 05:08, 18 December 2006 (UTC).

Website of Interest

• Computers:
  • http://www.gumstix.org
• Solar Cells
  • http://www.solar-world.com/PowerFilm.htm
• Blades
  • http://www.readytoflyfun.com/hepropeller.html
• Motors

Other sites of interest:

• http://cswww.essex.ac.uk/staff/owen/research.htm#The%20Flying%20Gridswarm,%20and%20the%20UltraSwarm
• http://sourceforge.net/projects/wireless/