Energy-efficient Autonomous Four-rotor Flying Robot Controlled at 1 kHz

Abstract

We describe an efficient, reliable, and robust four-rotor flying platform for indoor and outdoor navigation. Currently, similar platforms are controlled at low frequencies due to hardware and software limitations. This causes uncertainty in position control and unstable behavior during fast maneuvers. Our flying platform offers a 1 kHz control frequency and motor update rate, in combination with powerful brushless DC motors in a light-weight package. Following a minimalistic design approach this system is based on a small number of low-cost components. Its robust performance is achieved by using simple but reliable highly optimized algorithms. The robot is small, light, and can carry payloads of up to 350g