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TL;DR
- BRACU’s RaptorX drone team successfully delivered critical relief materials to remote flood-affected areas in Feni, Bangladesh, using innovative quad drones equipped with AI, GPS, and sensors
- RaptorX, a state-of-the-art VTOL drone, combines the best features of multirotor and fixed-wing aircraft, enabling efficient long-distance operations and versatile payload capabilities
- The drone, built to withstand harsh weather conditions, is the result of collaborative efforts by eleven talented BRACU students, guided by their advisor and mentor
- The successful relief operations demonstrate the immense potential of drone technology in addressing humanitarian crises and reaching those in need, even in the most challenging circumstances
In a remarkable display of innovation and humanitarian spirit, BRACU RaptorX, a drone team from BRAC University (BRACU), has successfully completed a mission to deliver critical relief materials to remote flood-affected areas in Feni, Bangladesh. The recent floods had devastated much of the region, with six upazilas completely submerged and nearly cut off from receiving aid due to a lack of boats.
Recognizing the urgent need for a more equitable distribution of relief, the RaptorX team, led by Mohammad Shayekh, conducted surveillance in the remote Chhagalnaiya Upazila and made their way to Daganbhuiyan and Silonia, where people were in dire need of assistance. Using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology for smooth surveillance, the team deployed quad drones to reach smaller, isolated communities and deliver essential items such as medicines, sanitary napkins, and dry food.
RaptorX is a state-of-the-art VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drone that combines the best features of multirotor and fixed-wing aircraft. Its hybrid propulsion system, utilizing four propellers and a rear thruster, makes it far more energy-efficient than standard multirotor drones. This extended flight time is crucial for long-distance operations like the ones undertaken in Feni.
Equipped with AI, GPS, and sensors, RaptorX can autonomously navigate diverse environments, avoiding obstacles in real time. Its versatility in carrying various payloads – from cameras and sensors to specialized cargo – enables it to perform surveillance, mapping, and environmental monitoring in a single flight. Notably, RaptorX is built to withstand harsh weather conditions, excelling even in wind and rain, making it a reliable solution for critical missions like disaster relief.
The drone is the result of tireless efforts by a talented team of eleven students from BRACU, guided by their advisor, Abdulla Hil Kafi, a lecturer at BRACU’s Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) department, and their mentor, Firoz Wadud, a research assistant at BRACU’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE).
The RaptorX team is divided into several sub-teams, each responsible for a critical aspect of the drone’s development. From mechanical design and autonomous navigation to software, control, and outreach, the team members have worked collaboratively to create a drone that can make a real difference in people’s lives.
“Recognising the need for a more equitable distribution of aid, we started surveillance in the remote Chhagalnaiya Upazila and made our way to Daganbhuiyan and Silonia, where people were in dire need of relief materials,” said Mohammad Shayekh, the team leader of RaptorX.
The successful relief operations conducted by BRACU’s RaptorX team in Feni demonstrate the immense potential of drone technology in addressing humanitarian crises and reaching those in need, even in the most challenging circumstances. As the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the floods, the innovative efforts of these young students offer a glimmer of hope and a testament to the power of technology and human compassion.
News Source: The Daily Star
