3D Robotics

A 3D-printable blimp design

3689485757?profile=originalI've got a soft spot in my heart for blimps, which I think are the ideal aerial robotics learning platform for kids. Our original Blimpduino was long ago retired, but we're working on a new version that will use optical flow and advanced image processing for autonomous navigation (look for this in early 2013). 

In the meantime, here's an interesting project for an Arduino-controlled RC blimp with many 3D-printable parts. Still in development, but the prototype scoots!

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Comments

  • The blimp was always the ideal project for 3D absolute sonar positioning & "advanced image processing" still seems to be vapor, but in a buzzword driven market where the buzzword is optical flow, you don't have a choice about what to pursue.

  • That's cool for it to come back in a new version. I think it took 15 months for mine to finally leak nearly all its helium. Ah... Blimpduino-still sitting in the corner of my office.
  • I love this Blimp. I really hope we start a project again like this on DIYDRONES. I think these are great for UAVs and especially those just getting into the hobby. Easier to fly, easier to handle and cheaper too!

  • nice, this blimp moves through the air like a shark through water.

  • Be nice to see Blimpduino resurrected. It was what got me into Arduino's. I bought a flying nemo fish last year; saw blimpduino and got hacking. Not autonomous just custom transmitter/receiver flight controls. Still on the bench as I need to make up a proper PCB as large chunks of veroboard just too heavy.

    Here is a video of the ultimate blimp:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDtqUg8R6Jw

    Dave

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