Get to know the project
For the 2025 Student Unmanned Aerial System Competition hosted by RoboNation, mechanical engineering students must embark on an exciting and challenging journey to design and build a high-performance UAS that meets the rigorous demands of the competition. The competition is designed to spark students' interest in UAS technologies and careers and engage in a challenging yet innovative team mission. To compete, RoboNation has given specific constraints and regulations for participation.
Performance Tasks
Functionality for the future
01
Autonomous Flight
The UAS must be capable of a fully autonomous flight for up to 15 miles over the course of 30 minute missions. Takeoff and landing may be conducted manually, but all forms of navigation and in-flight route must be autonomous without user interference.
02
Object Detection and Avoidance
Stationary and moving objects must be recognized while UAS is operating. This may be done manually or autonomously depending on the software. These objects will represent object debris that can distort airport operations. The UAS must also be able to avoid stationary and moving objects to allow for safe flight.
03
Mapping
An imagery map must be created for the geographical location of the UAS. The area of interest is about 15 acres. This will allow for the UAS to have a scheduled route with up to 4 stops.
04
Payload Delivery
There will be 4 destinations where the UAS must safely deliver beacon discs weighing about 1.5 lbs in total. These objects must be dropped by a retardant mechanism and within 25 ft of the target delivery station. The UAS cannot go lower than 50 ft above ground level altitude during delivery.
05
Design for Transport
The UAS must be able to be transported within standard luggage types (ex. carry on, personal item, check-in) on domestic US flights. Additionally, the UAS must be under 35 lbs in weight, foldable/broken down, and batteries no larger than 100Wh.
06
Operators
A minimal amount of flight operators is recommended. No more than four operators are allowed while flying, and up to two personnel for safety pilot and operator roles.
