RTK Positioning System for Drones (2023 Spring)
The Challenge
The NIC is developing a specialized mechanism for medical drones that requires them to hook onto a stretched cord during landing. Standard GPS accuracy is between 1 and 20 meters, which is not precise enough for this automated task and could lead to crashes.
Our Solution
Students researched and recommended the implementation of a Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning system. This technology allows the drone to achieve a positioning accuracy of 1 to 20 centimeters, meeting the requirements for the new landing system.
How It Works
The team used a detailed multicriteria analysis to compare various systems. RTK was chosen as the most suitable option for Nepal’s mountainous environment because it provides high precision at a manageable cost for drone integration.
The Outcome
Sub-meter accuracy enables safer and more reliable automated flight missions. This precision allows for faster turnaround times during emergency medicine deliveries, ultimately helping remote communities more effectively.