Innovative Hybrid Drone: Revolutionizing Environmental Exploration

In the ever-evolving realm of technological innovation, researchers continue to push boundaries and explore new frontiers. Recently, a groundbreaking hybrid drone capable of flying, floating, and rolling was unveiled, marking a significant leap in autonomous exploration. The genesis of this pioneering drone traces back to the visionary minds at New York University Abu Dhabi’s Arabian Center for Climate and Environmental Sciences (ACCESS), where researchers envisioned a drone that could navigate land, air, and sea to conduct complex environmental missions.

The driving force behind this remarkable creation was the need for a versatile drone capable of reaching remote locations, especially bodies of water, for comprehensive environmental monitoring. Lead author Dimitrios Chaikalis, a doctoral candidate at NYU Abu Dhabi, highlighted the challenges faced in environmental research, emphasizing the importance of access to hard-to-reach areas. "Flying vehicles can easily navigate such areas, while being capable of landing on water and navigating on the surface allows for sampling for long hours with minimal energy consumption," Chaikalis explained.

This autonomous marvel, weighing under 10 kilograms to comply with drone regulations, boasts a tricopter design featuring three pairs of rotors for flight, three wheels for terrestrial mobility, and two thrusters for aquatic movement. The integration of 3D-printed rubber wheels directly onto the main frame ensures durability and eliminates the risk of rust. A buoyant Styrofoam body, shaped like a trefoil, serves as the drone's hull in the water, allowing it to float and move on the surface.

The drone is equipped with two open-source PX4 autopilot systems—one for aerial navigation and the other for both land and water movement. An Intel NUC computer serves as the command module, enabling seamless transitions between different modes of operation. While the drone is not fully submersible yet, researchers envision future enhancements, including optimizing the hull design for complex maneuvers and minimizing air drag during flight.

Looking ahead, the researchers aspire to create a fully modular drone, allowing them to attach or detach modules based on specific mission requirements. This modularity opens up endless possibilities, enabling the drone to adapt to diverse tasks, from water navigation to aerial exploration. The potential applications of this hybrid drone are vast, promising transformative advancements in environmental research and exploration.

The innovative spirit of ACCESS and its researchers continues to drive progress in the field of environmental sciences. Stay tuned for more updates on our research initiatives, where we strive to make groundbreaking contributions to a sustainable future.

Read more: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10156577