Quadrocopter failsafe algorithm: recovery after propeller loss
Why Hacker News recommends it
HN cites it to show that a quadcopter can keep flying after losing a rotor, though under ideal lab conditions.
What it is
An ETH Zurich lab demonstration of a failsafe algorithm that lets a quadrocopter detect the loss of a propeller and recover, returning to its original position.
Recommended by 0 HN commenters across 0 different months, 2014 to 2019.
What Hacker News said
Cites skorgu · 2014-01 · on “Even if the Feds Let Them Fly, Amazon's Delivery Drones Are Still Nonsense”
Aha! I couldn't find the video quickly for my first post but I finally stumbled on it. Granted this is in ideal laboratory conditions but: [this video]
Cites FatalLogic · 2015-05 · on “Damage Recovery Algorithm Could Make All Robots Unstoppable”
I wonder if the algorithm could be applied to flying robots or other flying vehicles? If there was sufficient height maybe? It reminds me of this quadcopter drone recovering from the loss of 1 rotor, [this video] Although the drone in that video uses a pre-computed strategy, I think, not a general experiment and learning approach. And it recovers by spinning around on its axis, which saves the drone, and the environment, from further damage, but makes the damaged drone useless for most applications.
Cites avar · 2016-12 · on “Larry Page is pouring millions into flying cars”
The Ehang 184 has 8 propellers, two for each of the four quad points. I'd assume the reason is safety, that it can limp to the ground with just 7. You're wrong about a quadcopter not being able to fly with 3 rotors, see this video: [this video] That looks like it would be quite a ride with a human on-board, but would probably suck less than crashing.
Cites asteli · 2019-08 · on “Swiss Post Suspends Drone Delivery Service After Second Crash”
I recall a quadcopter control mode that spins the entire craft quite rapidly, exchanging yaw control for altitude control. Found a vid: [this video]