In this cutting-edge competition, our lead player commanded the mighty AVR Drone, a 2-foot square, 1-foot tall machine equipped with a magnetic system capable of lifting containers across the course. Supporting the AVR, other team members piloted the sleek, carbon-based DEXI Drone—a smaller but equally powerful 18-inch square, 4-inch thick model making its debut. Outfitted with advanced sensors, the DEXI Drone identified Infrared (IR) beams and relayed high-tech signals throughout each match.
The DEXI Drone’s sensors located AprilTags—specialized symbols directing it to one of three Conex containers (12 x 4 x 4 inches) in blue, red, or yellow. Once identified, the RVR robot retrieved the selected Conex and transported it to the heliport. Then, the AVR Drone took over, lifting the Conex to the designated drop site indicated by the IR signal. To top it off, a Sphero was released from the Conex to hit a switch, simulating critical repairs in the aftermath of a hurricane disaster. And this was just one of four missions teams had to complete—all within a high-pressure five-minute window.
Throughout the event, our dedicated operator ensured seamless communication across two laptops, coordinating IR signals, thermal data, and Conex color codes between the DEXI and AVR drones.
The TSD Blue Rain Makers truly brought their A-game! On November 8th, the team earned the Best Presentation Award and finished in 2nd place. On November 9th, they secured the Best Overall Design Award and placed 3rd. What an incredible performance!
Although we haven’t yet qualified for the championship, there’s still a strong chance we’ll receive an invitation for the first weekend of December. Fingers crossed for some great news—our team is ready to soar even higher!