University High SchoolInvenTeam

Mid-Year Technical ReviewFebruary 18, 2015

OC Sheriff Regional Training Facility

Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam | Grant Initiative● 15 teams of high school students, educators and mentors receive grants of up to

$10,000○ What is the money for?

● What is the purpose?○ Inspire a new generation of inventors and encourage an inventive culture in

schools and communities.● What is the process?

○ Process is year long○ From the beginning: Initial application, teacher training at MIT, summer

research & team building, final project proposal○ To work during the year: Design and implementation ○ To the end: Presentation and showcase at LMIT EurekaFest in June 2015

About the UNInvenTeam

The UNInvenTeam is a self-motivated group of student inventors. We collaborate to conceptualize, design, and build technological solutions to real-world problems. By working in a STEM-project based learning environment, we develop and practice 21st century skills needed in a world that values collaboration, initiative, perseverance, flexibility, empathy, curiosity, and creativity.

The Problem● SAR missions have factors including cost, time, and the environment

o Overall cost factor: National Park Service spends ~$5 million annually US Coast Guard spends ~$680 million annually SAR helicopters cost approximately $1600 to operate per hour

o Time factor: SAR operations can last a few hours to a few days, and there is no

guarantee of successo Environmental factors:

Helicopters consume around 15-20 gallons of fuel per hour A large amount of this is released as CO2

Our Proposed Solution

● A drone and wristband beacon system

● Drone scans an areao Sent out continuouslyo Preset flight path

o GPS coordinates and infrared photograph

● Beacon sends radio-signalo Worn on wristo Emits signal upon user activation

UAV/drone

Wearable BeaconBase station

The Drone Debate● The case against drones:

o Breach of privacyo Unethical, especially in the context

of waro They have attained a bad

reputation

o Should not be used in a nature

reserve

● Our use of drones is different:o Search and Rescue aid streamlining

communication in distress situations

Our Current Design

● A simple receiver-transmitter system in unison with a camera and SD card reader

● Development of wireless communicationsthrough radio signals

● Autonomous quadcopter can be pre-configured to given flight path

● Manual control possible if necessary

● Extended safety features (geofence + battery return to home)

Technical Progress to Date

● Beacon and receiver systemo Arduinoo Radio receiver/transmitter

pair Distance testing

o Camerao SD Card Readers

● Quadcopter o Stable remote-controlled flighto Stable autonomous flighto Speed testing

Future Designs & Technical Challenges

● Extended battery life

● Compact the on-board computer system

● Precise locating system

● Fine-tune flight controls and flight path

● Enhanced detection systems

● Multiple drones

Benefits - Pushing SAR to its Limits● Our 3-component system is

○ Cost-effective○ Efficient

○ Environmentally sustainable

● Quadcopter reduces costs○ Autonomous operation

○ Rechargeable batteries

● Communication design creates more

efficient SAR process

● Distress detection is faster○ Drone covers a specific area

○ Sends key information to SAR teams

● No harmful emissions

● Drone reputation

● Flight time limitations

● Height limitations

● Difficult implementation

● Training operators to use drone

systems

Drawbacks and Concerns

DemoAutonomous Flight:

DemoCamera Output:

Feedback, Comments, and Questions

● We would love to hear what you have to say● Include your name & contact info if you want us to follow up

with you● Use white index card or● Online http://goo.gl/forms/OOP1VTbd4Y

Thank You!