GrayUR Undergraduate Research for Credit - Autoplane
Autoplane
Project Overview
Aerial surveying involves flying repeatedly over the area of interest while taking photographs. These photos can then be combined into a composite image and various post-processing techniques can be applied to highlight patterns and collect data. These surveys have the potential to increase safety and efficiency in a variety of fields, though their use is often limited by expensive equipment and software. The goal of AutoPlane is to overcome the cost and accessibility barriers associated with aerial surveying by designing a low-cost, autonomous air vehicle capable of flying survey missions and processing the collected images using freely available software. The drone will fly a grid pattern to survey areas of interest, and the images collected will be used to generate orthomosaic photos, slope models, and subsequently perform tree segmentation using computer algorithms. Potential applications of this data include evaluating the risk of forest fires, determining forest health, and monitoring invasive species.
Objectives
- Fly MK IV Airframe
- Capture high-quality image data sets
- Demonstrate classification algorithm
- Secure new research partners
Major Tasks
The major tasks of the project are outlined below. These are nominal and are likely to change somewhat throughout the course of the year. These are meant to illustrate the general nature of the work that the position entails.
- MK.IV Preliminary Design and Budget
- MK.IV Airframe construction
- Flight Control Setup and Ground Testing
- Flight testing
- Crosstrain current and new members
- Optimize image collection to plan for algorithm development
- Implement semi autonomous waypoint missions
- Feature extraction using video processing
- Build and integrate stabilization rig for the onboard camera
General Responsibilities of the Group
Students participating in the GrayUR undergraduate research group will register for an ENGE 2994 or ENGE 4994 undergraduate research course. Typically, students enroll for a 1 credit-hour course load. Under certain circumstances, we can look at extending this up to as many as 3 credits per semester and can sometimes explore technical elective credit within your major. Though not required, the expectation is that you will continue on with the team for two semesters, though we will examine the relationship at the end of the fall semester.
In addition to the major technical tasks listed above, all members of the GrayUR undergraduate research team should expect
- To devote ~3 hours/week to research for each credit hour
- To attend a biweekly team meeting with Dr. Gray
- To attend a monthly all-hands meeting with Dr. Gray
- To participate in periodic reporting (symposia, research poster sessions, etc.)
Major Deliverables
All student teams will have the following deliverables
- One progress presentation to the entire GrayUR group each semester
- Final project reporting
- Final report
- Final slides
- Final personal reflection
Open Positions
Specific Role(s)
- Flight systems and airframe design
- Image processing and data analysis
Preferred Majors
- ME
- AE
- EE
- CpE
- CS
- CEE
- Phys
Preferred Academic Years
Looking for Sophomore/Junior level students
Preferred Skills and Interests
- airframe design
- drone flight
- automated flight programming
- mechanical design, fabrication/assembly, mechanical test
- sensor systems
- payload accommodation
- data collection
- procedure documentation
How to Apply
Applications will be reviewed by Dr. Gray and by continuing researchers on the team. After a review of the application, our team will contact candidates to schedule an interview (likely to be conducted via zoom). Review for the positions will begin on Bastille Day, 2022, and will continue until all positions are filled. Please send an email to Dr. David Gray (dagray3@vt.edu) with the following deliverables;
- A brief (~1 page) essay or cover letter explaining which of the projects you are interested in, and why you think you might be a good fit for that project (or those projects). If you are applying for multiple projects, extend your essay a little and describe your interest and qualifications for each position. Be sure to let us know your major and where you are in your academic career (sophomore, junior, etc.)
- A resume outlining your work experience and education
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
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