Quadcopter Drone with LIDAR-based Mapping

An advanced quadcopter drone that combines precision control with cutting-edge LIDAR technology for innovative indoor mapping solutions

Project Overview

Quadcopter Drone

The YugTroniX Quadcopter Drone with LIDAR-based Mapping represents our flagship aviation robotics project. This advanced drone system moves beyond conventional quadcopter designs by integrating sophisticated control systems and cutting-edge LIDAR mapping technology.

What sets our drone apart is its ability to operate with precision in GPS-denied environments such as indoor spaces, tunnels, and areas with poor satellite reception. The custom-built flight controller and innovative vibration reduction system ensure stable flight even in challenging conditions, while the LIDAR system creates detailed 3D maps of the surrounding environment in real-time.

Key Features

  • Dual Control Systems: Intuitive joystick control with supplementary hand gesture recognition for additional command options
  • Advanced Vibration Reduction: Custom-designed vibration dampening system that enhances stability and improves sensor readings
  • Custom Flight Controller: In-house developed flight control system optimized for precise indoor navigation
  • LIDAR Integration: 360° LIDAR scanning capability that creates detailed point-cloud maps with centimeter-level accuracy
  • Real-time Mapping: Onboard processing that generates and updates environmental maps during flight
  • Indoor Navigation: GPS-independent positioning system that relies on visual odometry and LIDAR data
  • Extended Flight Time: Optimized power management system that provides up to 25 minutes of continuous operation
  • Modular Design: Easy component replacement and upgrade capability

Technical Specifications

Hardware Components

Raspberry Pi 4 STM32F4 Microcontroller Brushless DC Motors TF-Mini LIDAR Sensor MPU-9250 IMU Custom PCB Carbon Fiber Frame 4S LiPo Battery

Software Stack

ROS (Robot Operating System) Python C++ OpenCV Point Cloud Library Betaflight TensorFlow Lite

Performance Metrics

Flight Time: 25 minutes Max Speed: 15 m/s LIDAR Range: 12 meters Mapping Accuracy: ±3 cm Max Payload: 500g

Development Timeline

Planning Phase

Initial concept design, team formation, and requirements gathering

Frame Design

CAD modeling, 3D printing of prototypes, and vibration testing

Electronics Integration

PCB design, microcontroller programming, and peripheral integration

LIDAR Implementation

Sensor mounting, data processing algorithms, and point cloud generation

Flight Testing

Indoor flight calibration, stability tuning, and navigation testing

Final Optimization

Software refinement, power optimization, and performance benchmarking

Project Team

Our multidisciplinary team brought together expertise in mechanical engineering, electronics, software development, and robotics to create this innovative drone system.

Team Member

V. Leela Krishna

Project Lead

Team Member

Tirumala

Team Member

Gnana Deep

Team Member

D. Jahnavi

Gallery

Applications

Our quadcopter drone with LIDAR-based mapping has practical applications in multiple fields:

  • Indoor Inspection: Automated inspection of industrial facilities, warehouses, and construction sites
  • Search and Rescue: Mapping disaster areas where GPS signals may be compromised
  • Archaeological Surveys: Detailed mapping of indoor archaeological sites and caves
  • Education: Teaching platform for students interested in drone technology, robotics, and mapping systems
  • Research: Platform for developing and testing new autonomous navigation algorithms

Future Development

We're actively working on the next generation of our quadcopter, with planned enhancements including:

  • Integration of RGB-D cameras for enhanced visual mapping
  • Implementation of AI-based object recognition for intelligent navigation
  • Swarm capabilities for collaborative mapping with multiple drones
  • Development of a more intuitive user interface for map visualization
  • Extended battery life through more efficient power management systems

Interested in contributing to our Quadcopter project?

Join YugTroniX Club to be part of our innovative drone development team!

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