Unmanned Helicopters
In the Department of Unmanned Aircraft, the flight test platform ARTIS (Autonomous Research Testbed for Intelligent Systems) is being developed based on small unmanned helicopters. The objective is to investigate and experimentally evaluate novel systems and algorithms for autonomous and intelligent functions.
In addition to onboard computers and data links, the ARTIS helicopters are equipped with a variety of sensors such as satellite navigation (GNSS), inertial measurement units (IMU), magnetometers, and air data sensors. The use of imaging sensors (e.g. electro-optical cameras) is also of central importance. Key research areas include advanced flight control and mission management concepts, as well as functions for machine decision-making, collision avoidance, and multi-aircraft cooperation. The integration of real-time image processing systems also enables experiments in vision-based navigation and environmental perception. Increasingly, our ARTIS test platforms have been equipped with open-source autopilots.
This allows our research to directly benefit from the advantages of this widely used product category while providing valuable insights into the robustness, reliability, and operational risks of such technology, which essential for assessing its suitability in safety-critical and commercial applications.
Highlights of the ARTIS Family
The standard avionics components providing the basic capabilities include:
- Onboard computer for communication, navigation, and control
- GNSS receiver
- Acceleration and angular rate sensors (IMU = Inertial Measurement Unit)
- Magnetometer (3D compass)
- Wi-Fi and radio modem
- Rangefinder for altitude measurement and precision landing
For a variety of applications, additional payloads can be installed, the range of which varies depending on the helicopter used. Examples of additional components include:
- Additional onboard computer for processing camera and laser sensor data and for computing machine learning and autonomy functions
- Safety monitors for safeguarding artificial intelligence
- Mono and stereo cameras, as well as other camera systems
- Laser range sensors (line-scanning and 3D sensors)
- Video transmission link
- And, as required, much more
The efficient interaction of all these components is at the heart of systems engineering. To achieve this interplay, structure, propulsion, aerodynamics, and avionics must always be optimised together. In this way, tailored solutions for research and testing of new technologies become ‘flight ready’ and allow experimental sensors to be tested without being influenced by the test platform.
Many members of the ARTIS family have already been retired and can be viewed in our UAV laboratory. midiARTIS, with its 12 kg take-off mass, has been flying tirelessly for us for over 20 years. The largest and newest member of the ARTIS family so far is superARTIS. With its “Flettner rotor” configuration and its turbine propulsion, it is a real eye-catcher at every exhibition and during every flight, carrying up to 30 kg of experimental sensor equipment through the air.