Universal Drone Gimbal Arm (2021 Fall)
The Challenge
Agricultural and rescue drones in Nepal must carry a variety of specialized sensors, such as NDVI cameras for crop analysis or thermal cameras for search and rescue. Existing gimbals are often too expensive or proprietary, forcing organizations to own several different drones for various types of cameras.
Our Solution
A universal 3-axis gimbal arm was designed to stabilize and hold different types of equipment up to 200 grams. The system includes a modular bracket system that allows non-technical users to quickly swap sensors, ranging from small GoPros to Lidar cameras, directly in the field.
How It Works
The gimbal uses a STorM32 controller and high-torque brushless motors to compensate for drone movements across the pitch, yaw, and roll axes. To keep production costs low, the frame is designed for 3D printing using ABS filament, which offers the durability and UV resistance needed for outdoor use.
The Outcome
By using a single universal gimbal, RAN can significantly reduce their aircraft investment and focus their budget on other innovations. This adaptable tool improves the quality of aerial data for both Nepalese farmers and emergency rescue teams.