IR-LOCK has been testing the latest version of our sensor/beacon hardware for precision landing, and the results are great! With an IRIS+, we achieve reliable landings at around 5-30cm from the target beacon.
Our development focus is on the reliability and accuracy of the sensor/beacon hardware, and optimal integration with control systems. One feature of the new beacon design is a modulated signal that enables the sensor to avoid false detections. Also, it can be powered by a standard 12V power adapter.
An obvious next-step is to integrate the beacons into a charging pad/station, or other small landing surfaces. A primary goal of the technology and hardware development is to enable fully-autonomous and remotely controlled systems of quads ... Imagine never changing a battery again :)
If you want to stay updated on the progress, feel free to sign up at our website. You can also find more details there.
http://precisionlanding.irlock.com
We are currently running a modified version of ArduCopter. Many thanks to the Diydrones and Drone-discuss community of developers! I don't know how to thank you enough.
Best,
Thomas
Comments
Thanks Raviv!
@Nick McCarthy Thanks. We are planning to have a computer vision directed auto landing app. I was impressed by Thomas Stone's work and results and so i wanted to see their strategy in solving the problem and algorithm.
@Thomas Stone GOOD LUCK! keep up the good work.
Check out the technique used by Matternet. Cool stuff. It reminds me of AprilTags.
Also, Daniel Nugent has some great work. (link)
Thanks Raviv! Congrats on your funding campaign.
You will find a version of our ArduCopter/PX4 code in the repos that Nick pointed to. But we are in a transitional period, where we need to consider the best way to move forward in a more 'developer-friendly' manner.... So some things will definitely change.
Raviv, The IR-LOCK Repo is here: https://github.com/logiconix
Are you planning on introducing similar landing capabilities with Percepto?
@ Thomas Stone Great work!! Do you have a GitHub account?
All ideas are welcome. :)
I have to admit that I am much more familiar with copters than planes. The copter landing problem is probably much more simple (at least I think it is), since the quad can hover until the target is sufficiently 'centered'. The primary challenge that we are addressing is reliable target detection, and elimination false detections. Perhaps, the technology could be expanded to planes in the future, but I am not sure... Also, it looks like the VTOL design may become popular (maybe).
Dropping stuff sounds fun. That is definitely doable, but I don't know if it will become a standard feature.
Darn, well then I'll leave you with this idea. Any chance of using multiple IR strobes to create a "runway" for a plane to land? Perhaps a set of 3 set to pulse different rates to signal the plane when and what direction to land? Not as automated as a 'copter but perhaps more useful for folks who need to setup a supply drop sans parachute (actually, maybe setup a strobe that could "trigger" an action such as dropping an object (there is already a built in electromagnetic dropper thing (http://copter.ardupilot.com/wiki/common-optional-hardware/common-el...). That way your strobe technology could be used to drop supplies to those in need (say for a search and rescue). Ok, enough of my silly ideas. Great job. Can't wait to use your tech in the future!
Ha. Well, we (IR-LOCK) are focused specifically on the precision landing integration with Pixhawk/ArduCopter. The charging hardware is being worked on by some other folks.
Yes! That is them! Good to hear they kept going. I think both of you are onto amazing stuff. Also, you should develop a "standard" interface now for charging stations before you go all Apple / Microsoft on us.
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