Qcopter – a small UAV
To date, most quad rotor MAVs have been based on flying toys. Although such systems can be used as prototypes, they are not sufficiently robust to serve as experimental robotics platforms.
We have a custom-built chassis and avionics with off-the-shelf motors and batteries, for our development of a highly reliable experimental platform. This UAV utilizes GPS, pressure sensors, celerometers, gyros and magnetometers for stabilization and navigation.
Here is a link to a video of an early prototype, which was still based on off shelf components plus a simple aluminium frame to test customized navigation and stabilization algorithms.
