RECONFIGURABLE UAV SWARMS

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My five-person senior capstone team designed a system capable of connecting and disconnecting quadcopter drones mid-flight. Our goals were to enhance the load capacity of two drones linked along a single axis while adhering to strict budgetary and weight restrictions. We ultimately settled on a telescopic arm architecture that featured electromagnets for secure docking at the end of each arm. The compact prototype fit beneath the drone’s footprint and attached to its landing gear for easy assembly and maintenance. Despite performing extensive design and FEA analyses, COVID-19 shop closures prevented us from physically building the device. My responsibilities included completing all CAD models, working drawings, and renderings in Fusion 360 throughout the 23-week project.