Transforming Drone
This semester-long project involved designing and building a fully custom 3D-printed transforming drone, engineered to transition seamlessly between a driving and flying configuration. Inspired by Caltech’s M4 Morphobot, I developed innovative mechanisms and material selections to achieve a compact and versatile design.
The project required extensive 3D modeling, iterative prototyping, and rigorous testing to refine the drone’s structural integrity and dynamic performance in both modes. By leveraging CAD software, engineering simulations, and hands-on fabrication, I tackled key challenges such as weight distribution, aerodynamics, and mechanical reliability.
Through this experience, I strengthened my expertise in mechatronics, multi-mode system design, and rapid prototyping. This project underscores my ability to merge creativity with technical precision, a skill set crucial for developing advanced robotic and aerial systems.
Topology Study
The geometry of the arm was adjusted based on the results of the study in order to reduce its weight
Drive mode
Render of drone in driving configuration accomplished by the attached high torque servos
Drone body
Body plate cut out of 3mm black acrylic used to house the main electrical components needed to operate
Drive mode test
Once the components had been printed and assembled the electronics were attached for a first test switching between flight and drive modes
