ArduPilot Roadmap

As you'll see, we're releasing versions of ArduPilot at quite a clip. The difference between them can be a bit confusing, so here's a roadmap:

1.0: Just navigation and altitude hold (released 1/09)
2.0: Adds XY-sensor stabalization, EM406 only (released 3/09)
2.0.1: Adds Z sensor, ground station support (released 4/09)
2.1: Supports XY sensor in diagonal position, desktop setup utility (does not require Arduino IDE), throttle (if airspeed sensor/shield is connected). Due week of April 20th
2.2: Requires ArduPilot 328 board (current board upgraded to the Atmega328 chip; stay tuned for details). Supports any GPS, fully configurable for different airframes, new navigation modes. Due early May
Shields: We will be releasing expansion boards (called "shields" in the Arduino world) that plug into the top of ArduPilot and add additional features and connectors. This first one just adds a differential pressure (airspeed) sensor, 3.3v power regulator, lots of handy ways to add other sensors and GPS modules, and a circuit that allows you to upload code without unplugging the GPS. The first board will be available in May.
3.0: ??? Additional sensors (speed, power). Maybe IMU support?
ArduPilot Pro: new board based on Arduino Mega. IMU based. Winter 09

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Comments

3D Robotics

Chris Anderson April 13, 2009 at 8:54pm

Thanks Torin. Needless to say, he's right and I agree ;-)
Torin Segstro April 13, 2009 at 8:13pm

I don't mean to offend anyone, but I think a lot of people are missing the point of an OPEN SOURCE development hardware + software platform. The POINT is that THE COMMUNITY of users contribute to the development of said hardware + software. With everyone simply requesting features rather than taking the time to play and program the ardupilot themselves, it negates the point of an open source system. The next time you think of a feature, why not try and add it? Programming the Ardupilot is fun and easy - Use the brain god gave you.
Pokoleo April 13, 2009 at 2:12pm

No, the algorithm was scrapped because it was more memory intensive, but it was exact.

Here's the post that it was posted as "changed" at:
http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/new-ardupilot-pocket

I don't know if it's a worthwhile change though...
3D Robotics

Chris Anderson April 12, 2009 at 9:07pm

We're constantly fine-tuning the algorithms for better performance. More memory will allow us to do more, but just follow the code updates to see how exactly we improve navigation. It's rarely as simple as returning to an old algorithm. We're always on the search for better ones!
Pokoleo April 12, 2009 at 9:04pm

Also... will there ever be a mode that allows the plane to takeoff/land by itself? (I know it's a ton of code + more sensors, but...)
Pokoleo April 12, 2009 at 9:02pm

A while ago, you changed the trig algorithm (I think that that was what it was...) to make it faster for the ardupilot to compute, but reduces the accuracy long range... Any chance that you would change back to the old algorithm now that there will be a faster/bigger/better board?
3D Robotics

Chris Anderson April 12, 2009 at 6:23pm

Michael, again, this is too early. ArduPilot Pro doesn't exist. Please hold your questions until it does.
Michael April 12, 2009 at 6:18pm

ArduPilotPro is going to have export restrictions on it (from the US) given that it is a fully assembled autopilot?
3D Robotics

Chris Anderson April 12, 2009 at 5:50pm

Matt,

We haven't designed Pro yet, so I can't say. Again, you're nearly a year early on that.

Eagle files are PCB/schematic files in Cadsoft's Eagle format.
Matt April 12, 2009 at 5:42pm

What's the physical difference and raw/parts cost difference between standard and pro.

Is there a consideration for a single unified platform with more features if it's all open source anyway, rather than 2 parallel developments?

@michael & Chris. What are "eagle files"

Matt

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