Hanging Load Mock-Up For Experimental Setup To Test Flight System Stability

Abstract: Can we reduce disturbance, swing, and errors by delegating some of the tasks to a subsystem on the tool hanging from a drone to gain precision and dependability? This project covers developing and implementing a user-controlled prototype with an automatic control system and gripper for functionality and controlled movement in 5 DOF. AirForestry is developing a new way of working in the forestry business to provide a greener and healthier solution for the soil and the environment. The forestry industry emits approximately one million tons of CO2 per year from heavy diesel-fueled vehicles. With a renewable energy battery-powered drone of a diameter of 6.2 m and a hanging harvesting tool, they can significantly improve the environmental impact of forestry. The harvesting tool has an automatic control system and is user controlled to perform the thinning and cutting of trees. The main focus is to use IMU sensor data to produce accurate angle estimation to control the stability of a scaled prototype and to implement physical restrictions to make it able to be attached safely and tested on a drone but not limit the controlled mobility of the prototype with a system independent of the control system of the drone itself. The user can control the attitude and elevation and receive real-time sensor data wireless during operation. With the intended spacing of the attachment points on the drone, it can prevent unwanted swing from a push or displaced drop. It uses the accelerometer on the IMUsensor to calculate the angle of roll and pitch, although the accelerometer is sensitive to vibrations and rotations. The control system has a fast response and rise time, but it experiences noise and oscillations. Sensor fusion of the accelerometer and gyroscope in a complementary filter can be implemented to increase the accuracy of the angle estimations and decrease the noise, which will be reflected in the speed of the servos and thereby improve the stability and mobility of the system.