FPV Quadcopter
(Basics & Advanced)

Drones, quadcopters, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are an important technology of the future.

In this practical course, the students learn the theoretical and practical basics of these innovative and complex flying objects and use them for research projects. The focus of the seminar is on the development of quadcopters that are controllable via FPV goggles (First Person View), can reach ranges of approx. 10 km and top speeds of 180 kph.

One research project, for example, will be the (continued) development of a rescue drone for fawns. This hexacopter, equipped with an infrared camera, will use innovative computer vision (artificial intelligence) to independently fly over agricultural areas and automatically locate fawns. This can prevent the animals from being injured or killed by agricultural machines. In contrast to existing systems, the rescue drone allows searching for fawns in an automated and cost-effective manner.

Of course, the participants can also implement own ideas with support by experts. The required components, devices, and materials are provided by the chair.

An example of what we build

We designed this copter using CAD software, built, programmed, and eventually flew it.

The result

It flies great!

Course Content

The practical course will cover the following topics:

  • The functionality of quadcopters (theory and practice),
  • Design (CAD-based),
  • Construction and realization,
  • 3D printing,
  • Manufacturing of the design (incl. soldering etc.),
  • Programming,
  • PID tuning & vibration reduction,
  • Flying on a simulator,
  • Flying the copter in acro mode (full-manual)

Additional topics will be covered (as needed):

  • Developing Advanced AI Applications (e.g., computer vision),
  • Light Detection & Ranging (LIDAR),
  • Autonomous flying (AI & GPS),
  • Radio standards for long-range,
  • Soldering techniques,
  • Video recording and editing,
  • Autopilot,
  • Betaflight and other flight controller software,
  • Ethical and legal issues of using drones,
  • … and numerous other interesting topics

Learning Objectives

After successfully completing the course, students should be able to:

  • Design, program, construct, tune and fly quadcopters.
  • Acquire competencies in computer science, electrical engineering, and media technology.

Videos

To watch quadcopter flights filmed with self-build drones and flown by the course instructor, Bela Gipp, click on the phone below:

Beginner and Advanced course?

The seminar is offered in the summer semester for beginners and in the winter semester for students who have already taken the beginners course (exceptions may be possible).

How to sign up for this course?

  • To ensure high teaching quality, the number of participants is limited. If you’re interested in participating, please sign up on the waitlist on StudIp.
  • Prof. Gipp will contact everyone on the waitlist approximately 2 weeks before the course starts with additional information.

Exam

  • Oral examination regarding the practical project (20 min).

Instructors

Time schedule

Type Day Time Periodicity Room Dates
seminar Fri 14:15 – 16:00;
We’ll meet both in the lab and outside (for testing and flying).		 weekly (with exceptions) HG 0.202
(Lab of Group Gipp)		 The seminar is offered in the summer semester for beginners and in the winter semester for students who have already taken the beginners course (exceptions may be possible).

 

Student Projects