Using an UAV to carry sensors for data collection it becomes possible to gather sensor readings from a geographically widespread area without the need to first deploy sensor hardware. This can be particularly useful in scenarios where it is important to get sensor readings quickly (e.g., a disaster scenario), where sensor deployments are unpractical or impossible (e.g., environmental monitoring in sensitive environments) etc.

The project

In this project, we equip a previously developed UAV with a smartphone for simple distributed data collection. The UAV will follow a simple path consisting of a few waypoints at which it will stop and collect data before continuing. Focus in this project is on the integration between the smartphone and the UAV rather that the data collection as such. To demonstrate the integration, a simple data collection could consist of taking pictures at the specified waypoints.

The system should work something like this:
On the smartphone, there is a file specifying waypoint coordinates and what actions to take at each waypoint. When the UAV starts, the smartphone should instruct it to go to each waypoint. When the UAV has arrived, the smartphone gets an indication of this and can then perform the action associated with that waypoint (e.g., taking a picture). After the action is complete, the UAV is instructed to go to the next waypoint etc. When all data has been collected the UAV is instructed to return "home", where the collected data is then transferred to an external computer for whatever post-processing of the data.

This project will involve programming on several hardware platforms: the UAV hardware, a smartphone and in the external computer. Although focus is on the integration of the different components, care should be taken in the software design to make it possible to extend the project into a thesis project if it turns out well.

The team

Size 3 - 6 persons. If larger than 4, 2 persons should make a complementary scientific study of how UAV communicates with ground, satellites and each other.

Equipment

• UAV (provided by the university). The developer of the UAV has agreed to be available for support questions from students.
• Smartphone.
• Some hardware for connecting the phone to the UAV (consulting Johan might be a good idea)

Adviser

To be decided. Lars-Åke Larzon responsible.