The goal of BRAC University’s (BRACU) drone team, BRACU RaptorX, was accomplished when it sent relief supplies, including dry food, sanitary napkins, and medications, to a number of isolated Feni communities hit by flooding.
According to Feni district administration sources, the recent floods entirely inundated six upazilas (Chhagalnaiya, Fulgazi, Parshuram, Feni Sadar, Daganbhuiyan, and Sonagazi) and practically cut off from getting rescue items due to a lack of boats.
“Recognising the need for a more equitable distribution of aid, we started surveillance in the remote Chhagalnaiya Upazila and made our way to Daganbhuiyan and Silonia, where people were in dire need of relief materials,” said Mohammad Shayekh, the leader of Rapt In order to put their thoughts into action, the team deployed quad drones to reach smaller, remote towns and used Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology for seamless observation.
RaptorX is a cutting-edge VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drone, combining the greatest qualities of both multirotor and fixed-wing aircraft. With its hybrid propulsion system, which uses a rear thruster in addition to four propellers, it is significantly more energy-efficient than typical multirotor drones. During longer missions, the thruster enables for faster takeoffs and power conservation by switching to horizontal flight. For long-distance missions like the ones they have conducted in Feni, this longer flight time is essential.
With sensors, GPS, and artificial intelligence, RaptorX can automatically navigate a variety of situations and avoid hazards in real time. Because of its adaptability in carrying a range of payloads, including cameras, sensors, and specialised cargo, it can complete mapping, environmental monitoring, and surveillance tasks in a single flight. Since RaptorX is designed to withstand inclement weather, including wind and rain, it is a dependable option for demanding tasks like disaster relief.
A gifted group of eleven BRACU students worked tirelessly to create the drone. The team’s mentor, Firoz Wadud, a research assistant at BRACU’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), and advisor, Abdulla Hil Kafi, a lecturer in the department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), led them on their path.
Each of the various sub-teams that make up RaptorX is in charge of a crucial area of the drone’s development. The drone’s mechanics and autonomous capabilities were made sure to function flawlessly by Shawnak Shahriar, the lead for autonomous and navigation, and Muhammad Shayekh, the lead for the mechanical team. Syed Joy oversaw the software and control team and developed reliable flight control and communication systems. The drone’s onboard electronics and communications were improved by avionics lead Farrdin Nowshad and network and communication lead Mohammad Fasiul Abedin Khan. While Maidul Islam Moon and his team member Abrar Zahin handled design and simulation, Nashowah Afif Nuha led outreach initiatives with assistance from Tasnia Mahjabin Maliha. Pritom Dutta oversaw media and publicity, while Tazwar Ahmed Seyam concentrated on system analytics.
Fatima Ashraf is a Campus Ambassador for The Daily Star from Military Institute of Science & Technology (MIST).
How BRACU’s RaptorX drone crew carried out relief work in Feni
