Drone Prototyping Challenge
Drone Prototyping Workshop (Spring 2023) hosted by the Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX) at George Mason University. This 8-week interdisciplinary program focused on rapid prototyping and innovation, bringing together participants to solve real-world challenges through drone technology. Our project, titled X-RECON, developed a drone-based solution to support post-disaster search and rescue (S&R) operations. We earned 2nd place for our innovative design and impactful presentation to a panel of judges, including active and retired first responders.
Challenge
The primary challenge was to create a drone solution to address:
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Time-critical disaster response: Quickly mapping disaster zones and identifying risks.
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Operational efficiency: Optimizing the efforts of first responders in dangerous, hard-to-access areas.
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Cost-effectiveness: Providing a scalable, resource-saving system that works with minimal human intervention.
Background & Goals
The goal of the workshop was to design, prototype, and pitch a functional drone system capable of assisting first responders in disaster-hit areas.
Our solution aimed to:
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Deliver real-time, high-resolution data.
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Operate autonomously using machine learning and a mesh network for communication.
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Create a post-disaster map to optimize rescue workflows.
Method
Using design thinking, our interdisciplinary team developed X-RECON, a system tailored to the needs of first responders:
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Empathize:
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Addressed safety risks, time pressure, and communication challenges faced by first responders.
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Define:
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Focused on quick awareness of hard-to-reach areas, overcoming terrain challenges, and ensuring safety.
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Ideate:
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Designed a flexible, easy-to-deploy system requiring no prior setup.
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Prototype & Test:
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Prototyped drones equipped with high-quality cameras and sensors.
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Built and tested a machine learning algorithm for identifying damage and debris.
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Established a mesh network to enable communication without relying on the internet.
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Lenses of design thinking
Desirability (User)
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Quickly and accurately assess the damage
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Effectively plan and prioritize their rescue efforts
Feasibility (Technical)
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High-quality cameras and sensors Fly over large areas quickly
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Transmitting captured data to a central location for analysis.
Viability (Business)
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Cost-effective
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Ease of use
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Durability & Reliability
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Functionality
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Recommendation & Impact
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Practicality: Judges praised the system’s ability to provide real-time actionable insights.
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Future Applications: Expanding the model with thermal imaging, greater durability, and enhanced AI capabilities.
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Human-Centered Design: Solutions like X-RECON demonstrate the importance of aligning technology with user needs.
Lessons Learned
✅ Interdisciplinary Collaboration drives innovation.
✅ Human-centered design is critical for emergency response technologies.
✅ Prototyping and Testing are vital for identifying and refining user-centric solutions.