"Cloud Computing" - Flying Linux system

Students at Mälardalen University have build this autonomous airplane model, that stabilize and navigate using on-board computers and sensors. The students are from the Robotics program and from the Master Program in Intelligent Embedded Systems.

It is based on a large RC model plane, an electrical powered glider with a 2.5 meter wing span, but the radio control can be switched of - the computers then take over.

The plane has sensors such as GPS, accelerometer, and gyros. They are read by AVR microcontrollers and the plane also carries a Linux board equipped with an ARM Cortex-A8 processor. It also carries a USB camera and an internet connection using a standard 3G USB modem.

The vision is to launch it using a fairly large helium balloon and release it at a few thousand meters. This has many potential uses, as it provides a low cost airborne sensor platform. However, the main goal is for the students to learn practical development of embedded systems.

Percepio AB is a proud sponsor of this project and provides a technical advisor. Other project sponsors are Mimer Information Technology and EIS Semcon. Zetterlunds Leksaker och Hobby have been very supportive and will even provide pilot expertize for the upcoming test flight.

Read more at www.percepio.se

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• airplane
• RC model
• embedded software
• linux
• beagleboard
• Mälardalen University

[EwaltFpv]

nothing special here :-) ....

[kevinyla]

@WatchmenDrManhattan

Depending on how it was made, I don't think integrating GPS, external com, and Prioritizing Gyros/Accel sensors "expensive" nor "simple". There's people who design these with efficiency and priority in mind. Then there's those who just dump code or buy a kit and call it done.

[kevinyla]

I'm curious whether the airplane has any particular sensors towards the front end to watch for obstacles. And if so, what sensors at what angle did the designers deem necessary to avoid any collisions.

[WatchmenDrManhattan]

I am sorry but so much work & so much money for such a simple task

[venkatbh1974]

excellent Priyanki... Congratulations.  Venkat

[xjet]

That was a very precarious launch!