QUIN

For the first time in NIU Robotics history, we had a bot win first place at MRDC, and this special bot happens to be our quadcopter. QUIN went through major reconstruction during the year of 2016 to 2017. After a year long break and lots of adjustments, QUIN was finally ready to compete again this year. During competition, QUIN collected game pieces through also driving on the ground with a manipulator attached, then flying the pieces to the scoring basket. It truly was a breathtaking victory.

QUIN was designed to track its position to navigate around the course during competition. This is all possible by a grid of beacons that will bounce back a SONAR signal to the drone. Using this system in conjunction with other sensors, we will be able to accurately locate and manipulate game pieces. QUIN is also a project that includes the design of a simplified suspension system for the quadcopter to land and be ground mobile. While on the ground the quad will switch to RC controls to move around the course, allowing for greater accuracy to grab the game pieces without the interference of propeller propulsion.

QUIN was designed with upgraded rotor positions from the normal 90 degree span between props to what is popularly known as the "Dead Cat" position; the back props retain the normal 90 degree separation however the front props are spread much further apart. This new design allows for better stabilization and flight control, while increasing adaptability to manipulator or camera attachment systems. A modified version of the 3D printed gripper that is comparable to that of NAI was included for performance of competition objectives. With the attached drive train, QUIN was able to drive, fly, and pick up the desired objects at competition. QUIN was recognized last year for being the best flight sustaining robot the competition has ever seen, competing airborne for over four minutes (out of seven minutes) in a single match.