Delta Robot Design for Conveyors

Project in a Nutshell: A drone system developer collaborated with Promwad to overcome integration challenges, limited flexibility and resource constraints while creating a unified drone control ecosystem.  

We delivered a complete solution, including ground control station software and a universal flight controller with advanced protocols (MAVLink, PX4, DShot), real-time 3D visualisation, telemetry synchronisation, and in-flight PID tuning.  

This versatile system reduced time-to-market by 30%, lowered development costs and allowed the client to enter new commercial and industrial drone markets. 

Client & Challenge 

A developer of UAV systems for industrial and commercial use was looking for a technology partner to build their own drone control ecosystem. 

The need for partnership and develop a custom solution was driven by several factors: 

  • Integration challenges. Disparate solutions for ground stations and flight controllers prevented the creation of a unified control system. 
  • Limited flexibility. Existing systems did not adapt to specific drone usage scenarios. 
  • Lack of resources. The client's internal expertise and resources were insufficient to realise the project within the required timeframe. 

 
Why Promwad

The client chose our team due to our comprehensive approach, expertise and ability to offer turnkey solutions: 

  • We proposed a concept combining a ground control station and a universal flight controller, eliminating integration challenges. 
  • Experience with MAVLink, PX4, DShot and other advanced protocols ensured the client's confidence in our approach. 
  • We helped the client establish a technical vision and calculated a budget and timeline, allowing development to begin quickly and minimise risk. 

Solution

We created a complete solution that includes ground control station (GCS) software and a universal flight controller. This ecosystem provides stable drone control and support for multiple drone scenarios. 

Ground Control Station

Visualisation of flight map, location, route using the open source QGroundControl tool. Source: docs.qgroundcontrol.com

 

GCS software makes setting up and controlling drones intuitive and precise thanks to key features implemented by the Promwad team: 

  • Support for ArduPilot and PX4 autopilots: stabilisation, navigation, automation, and route planning with the ability to configure without diving into complex firmware details. 
  • Interactive customisation: the development of QML-based algorithms and modules to visualise data and simplify control. 
  • Communication protocols: integration of MAVLink and custom client protocols for telemetry synchronisation, autopilot control, and command transfer. 
  • 3D visualisation and video streaming: real-time monitoring of routes, flight parameters, and environment. 

Technology stack for implementing this block: C++, QML, Qt. 


Universal Flight Controller

Promwad developed a universal flight controller that combined hardware and software with support for all necessary protocols and features for flexible drone control. 

The hardware part included: 

  • Circuit design and PCB development. 
  • Integration of interfaces for Serial RX, telemetry, ESC telemetry, MSP, GPS, OSD, sonar, etc. 
  • Support for motor control via DShot (150, 300, 600), Multishot, Oneshot (125, 42) and Proshot1000 protocols. 


At the software development stage, the Promwad team implemented the following:  

  • Support for popular telemetry protocols (CRSF, FrSky, HoTT smart-port, MSP). 
  • Possibility to set RSSI via ADC to monitor the radio signal level. 
  • On-Screen Display (OSD) integration to display data on operator screens without third-party software. 
  • In-flight manual PID tuning and rate adjustment, PID and filter tuning using sliders. 

Business Value 

The client received a versatile, reliable and flexible drone management system that strengthened its position in the market and became the basis for an entire product line, providing high performance and stability. 

The results:

  • The project reduced time to market by 30 per cent through clear planning and integration. 
  • The introduction of 3D visualisation, video streaming and PID customisation made the solution attractive to end users. 
  • Combining key functions into a single system significantly reduced development and production costs, while the versatility of the controller and station opened the client's access to new market segments, including commercial and industrial drones. 



Reach Out

 

More of What We Do for Drones & Robotics

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