AIAA Guidance Navigation and Control Conference

Last week the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics held the 2009 Guidance Navigation and Control Conference in Chicago, IL. I attended the conference and was able to see some very interesting presentations on topics including UAV tracking algorithms, multi-vehicle formation design, mission planning tools and strategies, simulation, modeling and system identification. I was also presenting a paper on the development of autonomous UAVs using the Quanser Embedded Control Module (powerd by Gumstix), the Procerus Kestrel autopilot, and fixed-wing Zagi UAVs (Li et al., Multiple UAVs Autonomous Mission Implementation on COTS Autopilots and Experimental Results).

From what I saw, there is no lack of innovation in the theoretical and experimental development of UAVs and related technologies. With the unmanned vehicles being developed here at Quanser, we hope to provide researchers with the tools needed to continue developing and innovating within their field. Look for us at next year's conference!