NCE Drone Competition
Sponsored by the Newark College of Engineering
The Highlander Drone Competition is an initiative that invites students across STEM fields to learn about modern drone technology in order to design, build and fly their own small drones. Over a series of weekly workshops students will learn how to assemble and calibrate small drones before having an opportunity to innovate and customize their drone. The goal is for teams to create a working drone to navigate an obstacle course.
Student teams are eligible for awards and prizes for innovative design, payload and course completion, timed trials, etc.
This program aims to foster teamwork across academic fields and promote critical thinking and problem solving through the use of hands-on learning in weekly workshops.
Drone building workshops topics include:
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Basic physics of flight and electronics instruction.
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Detailed assembly instructions.
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Flight simulation (software and hardware in-the-loop)
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Drone and controller calibration.
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Controller tuning.
Students who participate in this program also gain exposure and experience in using 3D printers and technology in the Makerspace as well as earn a drone pilot license.
2018-2019 Competition Highlights:
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85 students among 22 teams participated
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Open to undergraduate & graduate students
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Students from NCE, CSLA and WYCC
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$4,000 in prizes
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10 award winning teams
