VEX AIR Competition Drone

The VEX AIR Drone is a cutting-edge educational tool designed to revolutionize drones in STEM. This drone seamlessly integrates into classroom activities and competitive arenas, providing students and educators with a hands-on tool to explore the principles of robotics, technology, and aeronautics. Built on the solid foundation of VEX Robotics’ experience in robotics, VEX AIR is not only a game changer but a platform for developing critical Career and Technical Education (CTE) skills.

Mission Modules

• Designed for versatility with interchangeable mission modules
• Modules attach to the underside of the drone
• Enable functions including object interaction, pickup, transport, and drop-off
• Available in various forms: passive mechanisms, motor-powered manipulators, magnetic object handlers
• Quickly hot swapped to alter the drone’s operational capabilities

Advanced Camera System

• Dual-cameras for aerial flying
• Forward camera assists in navigation around obstacles
• Downward camera aligns with ground objects for precise movement tracking and optical position holding
• AprilTag detection for precise identification and location of supply depots, drop-off zones, and landing zones
• Supports long-range color detection of objects

Touch Screen Controller with Video Streaming

• 5″ touch screen controller with live video feeds from both cameras
• Aids in navigation, object interaction, and precise landings
• Telemetry data overlay on video feeds for enhanced situational awareness
• Quality joysticks, user-mappable buttons

Sensor Array

• Equipped with sensors to improve navigation and coding precision
• Forward-facing rangefinder for obstacle detection and avoidance
• Downward-facing rangefinder for accurate vertical positioning
• State-of-the-art gyroscopes and accelerometers for stable, controlled flight
• Advanced battery management system for accurate calculation of remaining flight times

Coding

• Programmable using VEXcode Blocks, Switch, and Python
• Advanced programming with Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code extension
• Control flight, navigation, on-screen graphics, and sound

Safety Features

• Equipped with permanent propeller ducts to enhance safety during operation

Specifications:

Drone Physical
Compliance: Section 889 Compliant (more info)
Size: 190mm (length) x 220mm (width)
Weight: 249g (Max)
Power Source: 7.4v Lithium Polymer Battery
Motors: Brushless DC
Propeller Guards: Permanent 360 degree propeller duct

Drone Electronics
Forward facing camera – first person flight view.
Downward facing camera – Landing and object detection.
Optical Detection: Color and AprilTags
Flight: Optical position stabilization and navigation.
Inertial: Gyroscope and accelerometer.
Altitude: Bottom rangefinders for up to 5 m altitude.
Obstacles: Forward obstacle detection and avoidance.
Connectivity: Dual Band WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB.
Storage: 2 GB storage for images or video.
Firmware Security: Hardware-enforced firmware verification

Drone Modules
Module 1: Passive object manipulation.
Module 2: Motorized object manipulation.
Module 3: Magnetic object pickup and drop-off.

Controller
Controls: Dual joysticks and configurable buttons.
Screen: 5” LCD Color
Video: Views cameras on screen for first-person flying, landing and alignment.
Data: View telemetry data on screen.
Audio: Speaker for audio feedback.
Connectivity: Dual Band WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB.

Coding
Languages: Graphical blocks and Python.
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Tablet, and Browser.
Software: VEXcode and Microsoft Visual Studio Code

Content
Drone Curriculum
Professional development
Documentation