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Building a Custom Drone

To build a delivery drone from scratch, the primary resource would be the Dronecode Foundation projects PX4, MAVLink, MAVSDK and QGroundControl. Dronecode is anopen-source, non-profit under the Linux Foundation that has gained support in the industry.

With all the onboard software being open source, costs will only be related to the hardware and any cloud hosting services if required. The PX4 documentation provides a guide on how to get started building a drone.

 

Hardware Components

The following is a summary of the major hardware components needed to build a delivery drone.

  • Frame – The PX4 airframes reference lists common frames.
  • Motors, propellers and Electronic Speed Controller
  • Battery
  • Flight Controller – The PX4 flight controllerreference lists compatible controllers.
  • Vehicle State Sensors – The PX4 sensorsreference lists required sensors.
  • Telemetry\Radio Transmitter and Receiver
  • GNSS
  • Mission Computer – For controlling the drone from an onboard computer.
  • Data Link – If wanting to communicate via Wi-Fi.
  • Rangefinder - For precision landing and object avoidance.
  • Camera
  • Payload System – For carrying and releasing packages.
  • Docking Station – For autonomously recharging battery.
  • Delivery Station – For autonomously receiving drove delivered packages.

The following infographic lists the main drone parts:

Pixhawk-Inforgraphic2.jpg

Picture Courtesy - Jethro Hazelhusrt (https://ardupilot.org)

 

Payload Systems

The choice of separate, off the shelf payload systems isn’t extensive, though there are the following options.

  • Unmanned Systems Operations Group- USOG are about to release a couple of different payload release systems. They have a smart winch design and a design that caters for multiple packages at the same time (pictured middle above).
  • Skyzimir offer a payloaddrop system which can carry 3 packages, as do DroneFly.
  • A2Z Drone Delivery - A2Z have a winch design, but this has a maximum payload of 2kg.
  • UAV Systems - UAV systems have a number of options, one rated to 10kg.
  • Foxtech, a drone and parts retailer, have a payload release system for 10kg packages.

 

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