Electronics & Coding with Arduino kits provides a great introduction to engineering for students from year 4 to 13!

Build a Drone

Drones or UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) are complex machines that are made up of several components. Here are some of the main components that make up a typical drone:

1. Propellers: The propellers are the rotating blades that generate the lift necessary for the drone to fly. They come in different sizes and materials depending on the type of drone and its intended use. [1][2]

2. Motors: The motors are responsible for spinning the propellers, which in turn generates lift. The size and power of the motors depend on the size and weight of the drone. [1][2]

3. Flight Controller: The flight controller is the brain of the drone. It receives and processes data from the sensors and tells the motors how fast to spin the propellers to maintain stability and control the drone's movement. [1]

4. Battery: The battery is the power source for the drone. It provides electricity to the motors and other electronic components. The battery's size and capacity depend on the drone's weight and intended use. [1][2]

5. Sensors: Sensors are important components of a drone that help it fly and navigate autonomously. Some common sensors include GPS, barometers, accelerometers, and gyroscopes. These sensors provide data to the flight controller, which uses it to maintain stability and control the drone's movement. [1]

6. Camera: Drones are often equipped with cameras that capture photos and videos from the air. The camera's quality and features vary depending on the drone's intended use. [1]

7. Frame: The frame is the physical structure that holds all the components together. It provides the drone's shape and determines its size and weight. The frame's material and design depend on the drone's intended use. [3] These can be 3D printed!

Overall, drones are made up of several different components that work together to enable them to fly and perform specific tasks. The exact components and their specifications depend on the type and intended use of the drone.