Abstract:
As usage of multi-purpose drones is skyrocketing, many innovations are a foot. The aerial manipulator, a combination of a robotic arm and a flying platform, has emerged as a cutting-edge technology with diverse applications in various fields, such as disaster response, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure inspection. In this report, we investigate the design and implementation of a 3-DOF robotic arm mounted on a hexacopter, simulated using the Robot Operating System (ROS) and structurally analyzed using ANSYS. We focus on the applications of this technology in active environments, where tasks are hazardous or difficult for human operators.
The aerial manipulator can be equipped with sensors, cameras, and other tools, making it an ideal solution for tasks such as search and rescue, inspection of pipelines and power lines, and monitoring of forest fires. In addition, the aerial manipulator can reach locations that are inaccessible to ground-based robots, making it a valuable asset in disaster response scenarios.
To assess the market potential of aerial manipulators, we have analyzed data from various sources, including industry reports and academic publications. The market for aerial manipulators is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in various industries. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global market for UAVs is expected to reach $55.8 billion by 2025, with aerial manipulators being one of the fastest-growing segments.
Our simulations using ROS have demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed design, highlighting the importance of optimizing the configuration and control of the aerial manipulator to achieve maximum efficiency and accuracy. The major capability of aerial manipulator is Pick and Place. We believe that the aerial manipulator has the potential to revolutionize the way we perform tasks in hazardous and inaccessible environments and automotive tasks as delivery service.
In conclusion, our study has demonstrated the potential of the aerial manipulator in various applications, including those where human intervention is limited or impossible. With the market for aerial manipulators projected to grow rapidly in the coming years, we believe that this technology will play a vital role in shaping the future of unmanned aerial systems.