PROJECTS @ IFOR LAB
Navigation and Image processing on Parrot AR Drone
We are testing navigation, Parellel Tracking and Mapping and Image Processing algorithms on a Parrot AR Drone, as it is a very robust testing platform. We are also experimenting with motion sensing input devices like the LEAP MOTION controller, to control the AR Drone using simple gestures. All the processing is done off-board over Wi-Fi.
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Centimeter level GPS Pricision - Real Time Kinematic (RTK)
We had the opportunity to get our hands on a RTK GPS console. Real Time Kinematic (RTK) satellite navigation is a technique used to enhance the precision of position data derived from satellite-based positioning systems (global navigation satellite systems, GNSS) such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and GAGAN. A typical GPS console designed for UAVs have an error of upto 5 meters. With the RTK GPS system in place, it can be brought down to less than a centimeter.
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Project IFOR Alpha
This was the first project done by the team. This quadrotor was built on the Ardupilot platform back in 2010. It was equipped wth proximity and ultrasonic sensors to avoid obstacles and to maintain a constant altitude during the flight.
IFOR - Fully autonomous UAV for indoor navigation
This is the UAE's first fully autonomous UAV which was ranked first in the 21st edition of AUVSI International aerial robotics competition held in North Dakota, USA. It is capable of mapping and navigating through an unknown indoor environment. All the processing is done on an onboard intel Atom based computer. The UAV runs custom navigation, optical flow and various other image processing algorithms. It is equipped with a variety of onboard instruments; LiDAR, Gumstix Camera to name a few.
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Vertical Take Off and Lift Propulsion System
The team were involved in the fabrication and modelling of a VTOL fixed wing plane. This was later integrated with the "Smart Inspection of Solar Panels" project, which in-turn increased the performance and potential of the system. The project was a contract work for a company.