JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #62 - January/February 2011 - 18

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While most major UAV developments have come about to serve military or security purposes, these vehicles have also found many civilian applications in detection and imaging. Parrot’s AR.Drone now extends the technology to include augmented reality games. And composites are still on board!

Technology ready for gaming

the UAV tilt angle and therefore reduce/increase the speed. The UAV can reach a top speed of 18 km/h. Another major feature is the use of several AR.Drones on a network. Thanks to its own generated Wi-Fi network, players can create a game party where others players can join and play against each other. For example, AR.FlyingAce video game – a dogfight between two AR.Drones – incorporates augmented reality, especially for modelling missile fire. Hulls are available in three different colours to easily identify each AR.Drone.

Mechanical design
The central cross is the central structure of the AR.Drone. It is made of PA 66 high-grade plastic with 4 crossed fibre carbon tubes inserted and a PA 66 motor mount. This part has been designed to be light and strong. The engine mount allows easy removal and reassembly of the motors. The motor mount incorporates two self-lubricating bronze plain bearings. The propellers, which have been specially designed for the AR.Drone by a team who won the French Army microdrone contest, are made to optimize power onsumption and thrust.

jec composites magazine / No62 January - February 2011

hanks to its on-board WiFi system, the AR.Drone is the first quadricopter that can be controlled using WiFi by an iPhone®, iPod Touch® or iPad®. It was initially designed for the Apple platforms and will be also available on other platforms in the next few months.

Performance

The AR.Drone combines the best of many worlds, including modelling, video gaming and augmented reality. The device features a number of sensors, including a front camera, a vertical camera and an

ultrasound altimeter. Its range depends on the environment in which it is being used: the range will be greater if the AR.Drone is used in a wide-open space with few Wi-Fi waves. Since the altitude at which the AR.Drone can fly depends exclusively on the Wi-Fi range, it can fly up to a height of 50 meters. Thanks to its many sensors, the UAV can maintain stable flight at a height of up to 6 meters. It can fly for approximately 12 minutes, with a recharging time of an hour and a half. Extra batteries can be bought to play longer. A setting can be adjusted in the application to reduce/increase

More information ...

Founded in 1994, Parrot has developed the most extensive range of hands-free kits on the market for cars, motorbikes and scooters, including wireless multimedia products geared towards audiovisual applications. In 2008, Parrot launched a new prestige line of high-end products bearing the hallmark of renowned artists. Parrot, headquartered in Paris, currently employs 450 people worldwide and generates 85% of its sales overseas.

The Parrot AR.Drone has been designed for both inside and outside use. It can be adapted to any game situation using the two hulls provided. To play inside, the full hull shield made of expanded polypropylene protects the UAV from impacts that occur during wild battles against enemies hidden in the rooms of the house. For out of doors, the streamlined hull is aerodynamic, allowing greater control outside.

Available games
Parrot has developed two games for the AR.Drone. In addition, the company has created an open development platform that is open to anyone wishing to develop a game or any other application, even for platforms other than Apple.n
More information: www.parrot.com

http://www.parrot.com

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #62 - January/February 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #62 - January/February 2011