Disaster Response and Observation Network (DRON)

Video: Flight Test Video

Posters: Spring 2026

DRON is a proof-of-concept initiative at TURTLE Robotics that aims to leverage unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to gather intelligence during structural fires. Collaborating with the software subteam, I research and implement ROS 2 Humble, PX4, and MAVROS frameworks within simulation environments to support a UAV swarm platform designed to assist first responders with real-time visual data and autonomous mapping.

• Researched and programmed autonomous flight algorithms (offboard control square 2) using PX4/MAVROS over ROS 2 Humble, validating autonomous flight via 2-drone simulation and 2-3 outdoor test flights for a 10-member team’s UAV swarm platform assisting first responders.

• Co-authored and presented the ”Disaster Response Observation Network (DRON)” research poster across two university showcases (Nov 2025, Apr 2026), each featuring 21+ advanced projects, detailing autonomous swarm progress and system architecture to an audience of engineering faculty and peers.

• Focused on reducing human exposure during disaster response missions.

I. Wilhite, C. Ambroziak, A. Briggs, R. Kato, O. Bhatt, L. Breedlove, V. So, R. Shah, M. Shi, J. Shouba, O. Thomas, C. Weatherspoon, and D. Wheaton, “Disaster Response Observation Network (DRON),” TURTLE Robotics, Spring 2026. [Conference Poster].