Monocular Imaging-based Autonomous Tracking for Low-cost Quad-rotor Design - TraQuad

TL;DR

TraQuad is a low-cost, autonomous monocular drone capable of tracking various objects, developed with custom algorithms and simulation tools, aiming to advance automation and reconnaissance applications.

Contribution

Development of a cost-effective, autonomous monocular quadcopter with novel tracking algorithms and simulation environment, enabling versatile object tracking without GPS dependence.

Findings

Cost reduced to about $250

Effective object tracking demonstrated in simulations

Autonomous operation with optional GPS

Abstract

TraQuad is an autonomous tracking quadcopter capable of tracking any moving (or static) object like cars, humans, other drones or any other object on-the-go. This article describes the applications and advantages of TraQuad and the reduction in cost (to about 250$) that has been achieved so far using the hardware and software capabilities and our custom algorithms wherever needed. This description is backed by strong data and the research analyses which have been drawn out of extant information or conducted on own when necessary. This also describes the development of completely autonomous (even GPS is optional) low-cost drone which can act as a major platform for further developments in automation, transportation, reconnaissance and more. We describe our ROS Gazebo simulator and our STATUS algorithms which form the core of our development of our object tracking drone for generic purposes.