MSc thesis code for Localization and Control of a Quadcopter Universal Payload System.
There is a growing trend of using unmanned aerial vehicles (also known as UAVs, uncrewed aerial vehicles, or drones) to manipulate and interact with their surroundings. The algorithms and tools used are typically unique to the different tasks performed by UAVs; however, the fundamental UAV system largely remains consistent. This thesis offers a general quadrotor UAV system capable of performing multiple tasks dependent on available payloads. The system is empirically developed and performs localization using ArUco fiducial markers, an inertial measurement unit, and a Kalman filter. Navigation is achieved using a proportional integral derivative controller, and interfacing with various payloads is accomplished with a custom-developed universal payload manipulator. The system is described in detail and demonstrated with real-world experimentation, including the deployment of an example payload for removing twist caps off sump lubricant reservoirs. Empirical results show the developed system as an initial functional prototype in ideal conditions, and further work is required to increase system reliability and functionality for non-ideal scenarios.
Clone the repo and install all the dependencies. For the first time call
git submodule update --init --recursive. Otherwise update using git submodule update --recursive.
Most of the developed code uses Python where a list of all the imported packages can be viewed in the below table. A majority of the Python packages come preinstalled; however, additional packages should be installed with pip (denoted with *). Two packages must be built directly from source code (denoted with **). All software ran on a Jetson Nano (quadcore ARM A57 processor) with Python 3.6.9 and Ubuntu 18.04.5 LTS.
| Package | Version | | | Package | Version |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| datetime | 3.6.9 | | | pymavlink* | 2.4.9 |
| DroneKit* | 2.9.2 | | | pyrealsense2** | 2.36.0 |
| math | 3.6.9 | | | pySerial* | 3.4 |
| Matplotlib* | 3.3.1 | | | simdkalman* | 1.0.1 |
| multiprocessing | 3.6.9 | | | statistics | 3.6.9 |
| NumPy* | 1.18.4 | | | struct | 3.6.9 |
| openCV** | 4.3.0 | | | threading | 3.6.9 |
| pandas* | 1.1.0 | | | time | 3.6.9 |
For information regarding the building of non standard packages refer to the wiki.
Run the bash script run.sh and once the UAV is placed into GUIDED_NOGPS mode the UAV will be in full control. Use control + c to terminate the program and complete data logging.
Flight logs are saved after each flight in .csv format. To plot data and analyze the log, navigate to the /flightData directory and enter the file name in the command line as such: python3 plotter.py --input "flight1.csv".
Open the /payloads directory and navigate to either the /cap or /MASTER directory and build using PlatformIO. All pinout is labeled in src/main.cpp. The servo library may need to be re-installed with the following command: pio lib install "Servo" in the PlatformIO command line. Upload the compiled code to its respective PCB.
The PCB's were designed with KiCad 5 and manufactured by JLCPCB.