Figure 1.
Methods used to build autonomous flight systems
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Vision | High accuracy | Needs powerful processing |
| LiDAR | Precise 3D mapping | Expensive |
| GPS | Simple, widely used | Less accurate in urban areas |
| Sensor Fusion | Best accuracy | High complexity |
Comparison on multi-rotor drone frame types
| Design | Stability | Manoeuvrability | Payload Capacity | Redundancy | Complexity | Power Efficiency | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I4 “ +” Quadcopter | Moderate | Limited | Low | None | Simple | High | Basic flight control training |
| X4 “ x” Quadcopter | Good | High | Low | None | Simple | High | General educational research, aerial imaging |
| I6 “ +” Hexacopter | High | Moderate | Medium | Moderate | Moderate | Medium | Mapping, aerial imaging, sensor deployment |
| X6 “ x” Hexacopter | Very High | High | Medium | Moderate | Moderate | Medium | Precision control research, robotics projects |
| IY6“ +” Coaxial Hexacopter | High | Moderate | Medium-High | High | High | Low | Medium-payload research, compact sensor platforms |
| Y6 “ x” Coaxial Hexacopter | High | High | Medium-High | High | High | Low | Compact research projects needing redundancy |
| I8 “ +” Octocopter | Very High | Moderate | High | High | High | Low | Heavy payload research, stability-critical applications |
| V8 “ x” Octocopter | Very High | High | High | High | High | Low | High-precision manoeuvring with heavy payloads |
| X8 Coaxial Octocopter | Extreme | High | Very High | Very High | Very High | Low | High-payload research requiring maximum redundancy |
Drone hardware components choice options
| Component | Options | Best Choice for University Research |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon fibre, Aluminium | Carbon fibre |
| Motors | Brushed, Brushless | Brushless |
| Propellers | Plastic, Carbon fibre | Carbon fibre |
| Battery | Li-Po, Li-ion | Li-Po |
| Radio Module | Wi-Fi, RF, Bluetooth | RF-based module |
| GSM Module | 3G, 4G, 5G | 4G |
| Camera | Standard, Thermal | Standard (for general research) |
Comparison on flight control platforms
| Software | Features | Best for University Research |
|---|---|---|
| ArduPilot | Open-source, versatile | Yes |
| PX4 | Open-source, advanced features | Yes |
| Betaflight | Racing drone-oriented | No |
| DroneKit | Python-based, research-focused | Yes |
Drone types pros and cons
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed-wing | Long endurance, high efficiency | Needs runway, limited manoeuvrability |
| Single-rotor | High payload, efficient flight | Expensive, complex controls |
| Multi-rotor | Stable, easy to operate, good for research | Shorter flight time, limited payload capacity |