top of page

ScoutBot

ScoutBot is a modular aerial reconnaissance robot designed in TinkerCAD to visualize its key structural and functional components. The main body is modeled using a rounded cylinder for the fuselage, with flat boxes forming fixed wings and tilt-rotor motors placed at the tips to enable vertical takeoff and horizontal flight. The sensor suite includes dual 360° LiDAR pods (hazard detection), a thermal camera (heat signature detection), and an RGB camera (visual mapping), all mounted on gimbal-like structures for stabilized imaging. Actuators include the tilt-rotor motors for flight control, servo motors for camera gimbals, and landing gear skids for impact absorption. Internal electronics are housed in a sealed compartment represented by a transparent box containing the flight controller, mesh-network antenna, and battery pack. The CAD model includes labeled components and dimensions to show how each part fits together, ensuring both functional clarity and visual appeal.

 

Dimensions for the ScoutBot are as follows: The wingspan is approximately 1.8 meters, providing aerodynamic stability during flight. Each tilt-rotor arm extends about 0.4 meters from the fuselage, with rotor diameters of roughly 0.25 meters. The fuselage itself is about 1.0 meter in length, and the overall height, including landing gear and sensors, is around 0.4 meters. These measurements align with typical military aid drones, balancing portability with performance in field operations.

Basic design of ScoutBot

ScoutBot Component Overview

 

VTOL Rotors
- Grey and red propellers mounted at the end of the fixed-wing design simulate tilt-rotor motors for vertical takeoff and transition to horizontal flight.

 

LiDAR Pods
Small cylinders mounted on the underbelly of the body used for 360° hazard detection and terrain mapping.

 

Thermal/RGB Cameras
Red hemispheres mounted under each wing capture heat signatures and visual imagery for reconnaissance.

 

Electronics Compartment
Transparent red dome on top of the fuselage contains the flight controller, mesh network antenna, and battery pack. Sealed for protection and passive heat dissipation.

 

Emergency Lights
Mounted on the front-facing side of the tilt-rotor trim used for signaling and visibility during low-light or emergency operations.

 

TinkerCAD Link: https://www.tinkercad.com/things/eP6JkFpT4F6-scoutbot-the-decentralized 

ScoutBot Algorithm WorkFlow

ScoutBot’s algorithm is designed to autonomously perform aerial reconnaissance while responding to sensor inputs and commands from the operator or other robots. The flowchart in Figure 5.1.2 illustrates the sequence of actions and decision-making processes based on these inputs.

  • Upon startup, ScoutBot initializes its sensors and mesh network system.

  • It takes off using VTOL rotors and transitions to fixed-wing flight for wide-area scanning.

  • While airborne, it continuously collects data from its LiDAR pods (hazard detection), thermal camera (heat signatures), and RGB camera (visual mapping).

  • If a hazard or survivor is detected, ScoutBot geotags the location and transmits the data to the operator and nearby robots via its mesh network.

  • If no hazard is detected, ScoutBot continues scanning and awaits further commands.

  • It can receive instructions from the operator or other ScoutBots to redirect its flight path or focus on specific areas.

  • If the battery level drops below a safe threshold, ScoutBot automatically returns to base using VTOL landing.

  • Throughout the mission, ScoutBot shares real-time data with other units to support coordinated swarm operations. 

bottom of page