The VEX AIR Drone is a cutting-edge educational tool designed to revolutionize drones in STEM. This drone seamlessly integrates into classroom activities and competitive arenas, providing students and educators with a hands-on tool to explore the principles of robotics, technology, and aeronautics. Built on the solid foundation of VEX Robotics’ experience in robotics, VEX AIR is not only a game changer but a platform for developing critical Career and Technical Education (CTE) skills. Mission Modules Designed for versatility with interchangeable mission modules Modules attach to the underside of the drone Enable functions including object interaction, pickup, transport, and drop-off Available in various forms: passive mechanisms, motor-powered manipulators, magnetic object handlers Quickly hot swapped to alter the drone’s operational capabilities Advanced Camera System Dual-cameras for aerial flying Forward camera assists in navigation around obstacles Downward camera aligns with ground objects for precise movement tracking and optical position holding AprilTag detection for precise identification and location of supply depots, drop-off zones, and landing zones Supports long-range color detection of objects Touch Screen Controller with Video Streaming 5″ touch screen controller with live video feeds from both cameras Aids in navigation, object interaction, and precise landings Telemetry data overlay on video feeds for enhanced situational awareness Quality joysticks, user-mappable buttons Sensor Array Equipped with sensors to improve navigation and coding precision Forward-facing rangefinder for obstacle detection and avoidance Downward-facing rangefinder for accurate vertical positioning State-of-the-art gyroscopes and accelerometers for stable, controlled flight Advanced battery management system for accurate calculation of remaining flight times Coding Programmable using VEXcode Blocks, Switch, and Python Advanced programming with Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code extension Control flight, navigation, on-screen graphics, and sound Safety Features Equipped with permanent propeller ducts to enhance safety during operation Specifications: Drone Physical Compliance: Section 889 Compliant (more info) Size: 190mm (length) x 220mm (width) Weight: 249g (Max) Power Source: 7.4v Lithium Polymer Battery Motors: Brushless DC Propeller Guards: Permanent 360 degree propeller duct Drone Electronics Forward facing camera – first person flight view. Downward facing camera – Landing and object detection. Optical Detection: Color and AprilTags Flight: Optical position stabilization and navigation. Inertial: Gyroscope and accelerometer. Altitude: Bottom rangefinders for up to 5 m altitude. Obstacles: Forward obstacle detection and avoidance. Connectivity: Dual Band WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB. Storage: 2 GB storage for images or video. Firmware Security: Hardware-enforced firmware verification Drone Modules Module 1: Passive object manipulation. Module 2: Motorized object manipulation. Module 3: Magnetic object pickup and drop-off. Controller Controls: Dual joysticks and configurable buttons. Screen: 5” LCD Color Video: Views cameras on screen for first-person flying, landing and alignment. Data: View telemetry data on screen. Audio: Speaker for audio feedback. Connectivity: Dual Band WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB. Coding Languages: Graphical blocks and Python. Platforms: Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Tablet, and Browser. Software: VEXcode and Microsoft Visual Studio Code Content Drone Curriculum Professional development Documentation
