UAV Disaster Mitigation & Management: Delivery Drone 

Introduction: Delivery drones are becoming crucial in disaster mitigation and management, offering fast and efficient solutions where traditional transportation is hindered by damaged infrastructure, dangerous terrain, or time constraints. This project focuses on designing and assembling a delivery drone with two versions of payload release mechanisms. This system is intended to operate within a 1.5km radius of the launch site. In version one, the drone uses a servo-enabled gripper to grab and release payload with a capacity of up to 500g, facilitating the transportation of essential supplies, medical kits, or other disaster relief materials. The delivery process will involve manual pickup of the payload and an automated drop mechanism, with the drone hovering at an altitude of 1 meter during the drop. In version two, a rope mechanism is employed to lower and release the payload securely to the ground, controlled by a high-torque DC motor system for smooth and precise descent, ensuring enhanced safety and accuracy during operations. The system is also considering the implementation of a proof-of-delivery system, which could include taking snapshots or recording short videos of the delivery process.

Objective: The primary objective of this project is to develop a drone capable of delivering payloads, contributing to enhanced disaster mitigation and management efforts. By providing a fast, flexible, and efficient method of delivering supplies and assessing damage in areas affected by natural and man-made disasters, the drone aims to improve response times and operational effectiveness where traditional transportation methods are not feasible.

Hardware Specifications:

• Frame: Tarot X6
• Wheelbase: 690 mm
• Motor: 340 KV
• Propeller: 18 inches
• ESC: 40A, 6S
• Camera: Hawkeye FIREFLY Q6 Airsoft 1080P HD Multi-functional
• Battery Capacity: 22,000 mAh , 6S

Version I:

• All-up Weight (with delivery mechanism as payload): 6.6 kg
• Delivery Mechanism (without package box): 80 g
• Payload capacity (include payload package box) : 500 g
• Flight Time: up to 15 minutes
• Version II:

• All-up Weight: 6.75 kg
• Delivery Mechanism (without package): 240g
• Payload capacity (include payload package box): 500 g
• Flight Time: up to 10 minutes

Delivery Mechanism: 

Servo enabled gripper mechanism (version I): The servo-enabled gripper release mechanism allows the delivery drone to securely attach the payload before delivery, ensuring safe handling of the items. Upon reaching the destination, an automated drop mechanism ensures precise and controlled release of the payload, with the drone hovering at an altitude of 1 meter above the ground. This system enables both manual pickup and autonomous release at a designated location, ensuring secure attachment and smooth, accurate delivery. 

High precision payload delivery mechanism (version II): The high-precision payload delivery mechanism utilizes a high-torque DC motor integrated with an encoder to precisely control the delivery location. This system employs a rope mechanism to securely lower the payload to the ground from an altitude of 10 meters. The encoder ensures accurate positioning and controlled descent, enhancing delivery precision and safety. This approach is particularly useful for operations requiring precise placement of payloads. 

Package box: The payload is contained in a foam package, providing lightweight, durable protection, along with shock absorption, cushioning, and insulation to safeguard the contents during transport. The foam’s low weight helps optimize the drone’s efficiency and flight time, while its flexibility allows customization for various payloads. The package is designed to hold a payload of up to 500 grams.

Proof of Safe Delivery: The delivery drone is equipped with a proof-of-delivery system that includes a camera to capture snapshots or record short videos of the delivery process. This feature provides visual evidence of safe and accurate delivery, ensuring accountability and enhancing trust in the system's reliability.

Software utilized: Mission Planner is utilized to integrate the delivery mechanism with the drone and configure its functionality. This software enables seamless coordination between the drone and the payload delivery system, ensuring efficient operation. Additionally, Mission Planner is employed to plan and execute autonomous missions, allowing the drone to navigate to specific delivery locations accurately and perform automated payload drops with precision. 

Conclusion: The delivery drone, equipped with advanced mechanisms and integrated technologies, demonstrates significant potential in addressing challenges in disaster mitigation and management. The servo-enabled gripper and high-precision payload delivery systems ensure safe and accurate transportation of payloads, while the use of lightweight foam packaging enhances efficiency. The incorporation of a proof-of-delivery system adds reliability and accountability to the process, while Mission Planner facilitates seamless integration and autonomous mission execution. Together, these features make the delivery drone a versatile and effective tool for efficient and precise aid delivery in critical scenarios.