Project Scope

The objective of this project is to correctly identify, securely load, and accurately monitor packages for drone transportation. The project is not considering autonomous flight as this is not the focus of the project’s problem. The objective of this project is to correctly identify, securely load, accurately monitor, and autonomously deliver packages using a drone to the user’s desired location.

The main goals of this delivery system are to identify packages, obtain relevant data, determine package dimensions, diagnose contradictory errors, and secure packages for them to be transported on a piloted drone autonomously. Other goals include a a non-interfering mechanism for landing and a user override emergency system. Additional objectives include carrying packages up to 15 lbs. (6.80 kg), a weighing accuracy of ± 2 lbs. (0.907 kg), and complete more than one delivery per flight. Finally, the average flight distance per delivery isshould approximately be 300 ft between delivery points.

The primary market for this project includes Cummins, the sponsor and lead stakeholder, and other companies interested in small scale drone delivery. The secondary market includes those who are interested in commercial drone delivery systems.

The first assumption for this project is that autonomous flight will not be considered. Because this is out of the scope of the project there will be an operator pilot guiding the drone to the packages in need of delivery via a controller. They will also be able to monitor and test what the drone does and intervene when an error occurs to ensure accuracy in performance. The team will also assume that the packages will be three standard shapes: cylinders, cubes, or rectangular prisms, and that they will be made of cardboard. The packages are also expected to be loaded and unloaded off flat surfaces with sufficient room above them. Another assumption is that there will be no obstacles at the height the drone is set to fly. The last assumption is that there is no wind disturbances during flight because the intended use is in an indoor warehouse.

The stakeholders of the drone delivery system are Cummins, the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, and Dr. Shayne McConomy of the deparment of mechanical engineering.