Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Authors' Class Standing
Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Allan Parra
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Ilteris Demirkiran
Abstract
Modern drone applications extend from commercial to military and law enforcement use. Having autonomous quadcopters perform friendly dogfight demonstrates a platform that can be used in the field of protection and defense. This research aims to prove the concept of an autonomous quadcopter engaging another autonomous quadcopter as when being recognized in its field of view. Each quadcopter is built and configured to utilize an onboard computer that performs visual processing using an onboard depth perception camera. The computer communicates serially with an onboard autopilot to control the movement of the quadcopter. These quadcopters are equipped with a telemetry radio to establish communication with a designated ground station. The impact of this research project is the supplemental aid to military missions where a scan for threats in a given area is desired, the protection of restricted areas such as national parks, or restricted air space where unauthorized unmanned vehicles need interception. The research concluded the quadcopters can perform the task of recognizing the target at a distance that does not exceed the range of the camera and when the target enters the field of view, at low velocities where the onboard computer processing is able to maintain accurate recognition. The quadcopter performs a follow function after acquiring positive identification of the other targeted quadcopter.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
Yes, Ignite Grant
Drone Defense
Modern drone applications extend from commercial to military and law enforcement use. Having autonomous quadcopters perform friendly dogfight demonstrates a platform that can be used in the field of protection and defense. This research aims to prove the concept of an autonomous quadcopter engaging another autonomous quadcopter as when being recognized in its field of view. Each quadcopter is built and configured to utilize an onboard computer that performs visual processing using an onboard depth perception camera. The computer communicates serially with an onboard autopilot to control the movement of the quadcopter. These quadcopters are equipped with a telemetry radio to establish communication with a designated ground station. The impact of this research project is the supplemental aid to military missions where a scan for threats in a given area is desired, the protection of restricted areas such as national parks, or restricted air space where unauthorized unmanned vehicles need interception. The research concluded the quadcopters can perform the task of recognizing the target at a distance that does not exceed the range of the camera and when the target enters the field of view, at low velocities where the onboard computer processing is able to maintain accurate recognition. The quadcopter performs a follow function after acquiring positive identification of the other targeted quadcopter.