Development of a MultiWii-Based Follow Me Drone with Camera and Obstacle Avoidance Capability

Professor & HOD, Department of ECE, Annamacharya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Tirupati, A.P. India.

^* Pushpalatha825@gmail.com

Abstract

Drones have become increasingly popular not only as recreational toys but also as valuable tools in various applications. This paper presents the development of a follow-me drone system utilizing the MultiWii 32kB flight controller, which is based on the ATMega328 chip commonly found in the Arduino UNO. The drone is designed to autonomously track and follow a target, typically a smartphone, by utilizing GPS data. The system relies on the Android smartphone to transmit its GPS coordinates to the drone, which then compares this data with its own GPS signal to accurately track and follow the target. This functionality allows the drone to dynamically adjust its position relative to the target, enabling smooth and seamless tracking during movement. Moreover, the drone is equipped with a camera module, enabling it to capture video footage of the target as it moves. This feature enhances the utility of the drone for various applications such as sports filming, outdoor activities, and surveillance. To ensure safe operation, the drone is integrated with an ultrasonic distance sensor. This sensor enables the drone to detect and avoid obstacles in its flight path, including trees, buildings, and other obstructions. By leveraging both GPS positioning and obstacle avoidance capabilities, the drone can navigate complex environments with enhanced reliability and safety. Overall, the developed MultiWii-based follow-me drone system offers a versatile and robust platform for various applications requiring autonomous tracking and aerial surveillance capabilities in dynamic outdoor environments.