Capstone Design
Automated UAV Payload Delivery System
Objective: To design an airworthy compartment that will be attached to the bottom of some existing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) owned by the Drone Delivery Canada (DDC). It should be able to safely lower and deploy a payload to the drop-off destination on the ground level, whilst the UAV is hovering approximately 15 metres above.
Requirements:
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Lightweight
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Safe
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Reliable
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Accurate delivery
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Aerodynamic
 Final Design |  Spring Door |
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 Cutter Mechanism |
Steps: The steps to complete this project can be broken down into followings:
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Design: Using the tools and methodologies that were learnt in first year's project, the team was able to correctly determine the requirements and the best design that meets those requirements. Also, during this phase, I was able to apply my CAD modeling skills, knowledge about motors and micro-controllers from earlier projects into the design.
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Prototype: The prototype was built as a proof of concept and to test the functionality of the design's components. The design consists of five major components: the central controller, the shell (mechanical structure), the spring-door mechanism, cutter mechanism and motor & tether spool.
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Testing: After the prototype was built, it was tested a number of times to ensure that all mechanisms work properly. Video below shows the test after an animation demonstrates how the design works.
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Showcase: Finally, the design concept and prototype were presented to the client and supervisors .
Results and Achievements: This multidisciplinary project truly helped me grow my skills and put my knowledge into application. Everything I learnt from first year Rooftop Greenhouse project to last year's Maze Solving Robot had an application in this project. Working with students from other disciplines further increased my cross-disciplinary knowledge and my passion for learning new subjects.
Photo courtesy of University of Toronto
