Moscow - (Saba):
Students at Gagarin State Technical University in Saratov, Russia, have developed a prototype ground station for UAV.
The station features an automatic battery replacement system.
The Federal Scientific and Technical Initiative platform announced that the developers plan to begin industrial production of these stations by 2027.
A press release issued by the university today stated: "The Skyward station was designed by a student team at the university. It is known that a drone typically stays in the air for 30-40 minutes, while charging the electric batteries takes between one and five hours, requiring a technical specialist to monitor the charging process and replace the batteries.
The developers propose automating this process through an integrated station containing a mechanical system for replacing electric batteries, a wireless charging and energy transfer system, a weather-resistant dome, and battery mounting hardware."
The project participates in technology acceleration programs under the Federal Technology Initiative and the University Technology Entrepreneurship Platform.
To achieve serial industrial production by 2027, the team needs to find a partner investor and conduct prototype tests.
A major mechanical engineering company has expressed its willingness to make modifications to the project and test the station at its industrial facilities as part of a collaboration between the university and its industrial partners.
The Skyward station features innovative wireless charging technology that prevents oxidation, freezing, and contamination of connection points.
It also ensures continuous operation in various weather conditions.
The station is compatible with various drone models via adjustable external batteries, and the station does not require precise positioning during charging.
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