A new type of drone developed by KU Leuven engineers can deliver postal packages, help extinguish a fire and even save human lives. The development of the so-called CargoCopter, which began five years ago, is now in its completion phase.
Algorithm
CargoCopters are unmanned aerial vehicles that take off independently, can cover distances of 50 kilometres and reach speeds of up to 150 kilometres per hour. They can deliver parcels weighing up to two kilograms. It was aeronautical and robotic engineer Bart Theys from the Department of Mechanical Engineering who came up with the idea for this new type of drone about five years ago. He based it on two existing models.
"The most commonly used drones are multicopters," Theys explains in a post on KU Leuven's website. "These have multiple propellers and can easily take off, descend and stay accurately in a certain place. They are useful for taking aerial photos, but not suitable for flying fast and far. Drones with wings and a tail can do that, but need help launching and require a lot of space to land. We have combined the best of both systems: the drone takes off using propellers, but also has wings that allow it to achieve a lot of speed and handle long distances."
To develop the drones, Theys uses a special algorithm. "In it, you can enter various quantities such as desired speed, weight or distance, after which the algorithm calculates the most suitable designs," he said. The different parts are made with a 3D printer, which also allows us to test these new designs quickly and efficiently. Quite a difference from before, when we still had to work with wood and glue. By developing and optimising dozens of different prototypes, we have managed to make CargoCopters that fly twice as fast and far as existing multicopters."
3D printing
Theys already made a drone in 2014, called the VertiKUL, which could deliver small packages weighing one kilogram. The new and improved CargoCopters can carry even larger loads. "We currently have several projects running, each requiring a different type of drone," says Theys. "For example, we have developed a pilot model for bpost that can deliver postal packages of up to two kilograms. You can put deliveries in it the size of a shoebox and it is equipped with a GPS system that determines the location of the device to within two centimetres. Of course, these drones are not meant to replace our postmen, but they can make their work easier. For example, by accommodating the increasing demand for parcel transport by e-commerce."
The makers have ambitions to eventually use the drone to save human lives. For example, they are working with a Belgian municipality to develop an ambulance drone because hospitals in that region are far apart. For those in cardiac arrest, it takes too long for the ambulance to arrive. "Our drones fly at a speed of 120 kilometres per hour and can be equipped with a camera and portable defibrillator. Within minutes, the drone can be at the desired location, thus saving lives."
Although operationally the CargoCopter is almost ready for use, drone legislation is throwing a spanner in the works for now. In Belgium, drones are not yet allowed to fly further than what you can see with the naked eye. Moreover, it now costs a lot of money and time to deploy a new test model. So when the CargoCopter will actually start bringing orders around is still unclear.
By: Kelly Bakker
Source: KU Leuven
