Zot-onomous is a Senior Design Project which centers on the systems engineering and design of an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The scope of the work involves creating a student-built drone capable of vertical take-off, transitioned cruise, and a rapid descent maneuver for precise payload delivery. This project addresses the critical need for a safe and operable vehicle that can transport a 2 kg payload, to target locations with minimal damage. By utilizing advanced autonomy, the design aims to reduce human error while ensuring the consistency and repeatability required for modern aerial logistics. The project is significant both as a practical solution for stable flight under moderate weather conditions and as an educational tool for the team to incorporate industry-standard systems engineering processes and documentation to a streamlined product.
To solve the challenge of reliable autonomous delivery, we are utilizing a structured systems engineering framework that divides the project into specialized mechanical, avionics, and software subsystems. We have performed trade studies and component analyses to methodically select the necessary mechanical and avionic components. To ensure the design works before physical assembly, we used eCalc to predict flight duration and prevent motor overheating, alongside SolidWorks CFD to simulate and refine our custom "curved-nose" aerobody for improved aerodynamic efficiency. Our software team uses Gazebo simulation software to virtually validate autonomous trajectories and risky "dive-and-recovery" sequences, reducing the risk of a real-world crash. The primary manufacturing tools and methods we are using are 3D Printing for the aeroshell and electronics mounting, and electrical soldering for all the avionics components.
As of March 2026, the project is currently in a transitional phase, moving from full-system integration into data collection. By the conclusion of the project, the primary output will be a reliable, student-built autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for vertical take-off, transitioned cruise, and a rapid descent maneuver for precise payload delivery. Specific deliverables include a custom aerobody, payload release mechanism, and avionics mount. Significant accomplishments to date include the successful analytical verification of the propulsion system using eCalc to confirm a 4.3 thrust-to-weight ratio without exceeding thermal limits and the completion of preliminary software modeling in Gazebo to validate autonomous trajectories.