Task: Design a tube-launched UAV that fits entirely inside the launch tube, which also acts as the UAV's handling and storage container. The launch tube must protect the UAV from damage during handling and storage. Upon removal, all folded or stowed surfaces must move into the flight condition. The goal is to minimize system weight while maximizing speed, range, endurance, and payload capacity.
Biggest Challenge: Designing the latching and hinge mechanism for the wing and finding a pilot who can land without crashing.
Motivation: 2017 Design Build Fly Competition
DBF - Folding Wing Plane
Automated Light Switch
Task: Develop a system to turn lights on and off based on the count of people in a room.
Biggest Challenge: Accurately detecting the presence of individuals carrying objects like a ladder and addressing other edge cases to ensure only a single person is counted.
Turtle Boat
Task: Develop a low-cost teaching platform using EduMip to help kids learn underwater autonomous robotics.
Biggest Challenge: Developing a station-keeping protocol for the platform while keeping costs very low.
Micro-Dissection Grasper
Task: Automated extraction of glands from mosquitoes.
Biggest Challenge: Developing graspers capable of separating the specimen from the insect without causing breakage of the sample.
Autonomous Maze Solver
Task: Develop an autonomous maze solver capable of avoiding moving obstructions.
Biggest Challenge: Staying on the shortest path while avoiding moving obstacles.