Aerial-robots are becoming popular in the research community for testing various algorithms related to both manual and autonomous applications. Besides research application, it is also used frequently for aerial photography, transportation of items, inspection of areas by law-enforcement agencies, etc. In the scope of the Aerial-Core project, we are working on the physical interaction of an aerial-robot with a human. Such applications require highly efficient Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with precise control of the position and orientation of the platform. This in turn can be achieved by the good mechanical design of the UAV platform and the use of advanced electronic components which will guarantee state-of-the-art performance. Specifically, we are interested in a particular Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) which can drive brushless DC motors with the objective of closed-loop speed control. The final objective of the candidate will involve integrating the ESC into a UAV platform, from a mechanical and electronic perspective.
This BSc thesis assignment will focus on building and testing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. It involves three main sub-parts, the first of which is designing a UAV platform initially in CAD software and then 3D-printing the hardware components. Once the mechanical assembly is complete and the hardware prototype is ready, the second part of this assignment will involve combining the various electronics involved for the UAV such as sensors, motors, flight controller, and the associated wirings. The electronics components are already available but however, the candidate might have to develop a power-board in the form of a simple PCB to connect the ESC with the power supply. Please note that the candidate will not have any role in the software architecture and programming of the UAV flight controller board, which will be accomplished by another BSc student. The final part of the assignment will involve some preliminary testing of the designed platform and also comparing the performance of the platform with that of another platform running on a different ESC. This last part might be done in collaboration with another BSc student mentioned previously, who will be working on the software/programming of the UAV.