Design of an Open Source, Modular, 5G Capable, Container-based Scientific Data Capture Hexacopter

Explore the design of an open-source, modular, 5G-capable, container-based scientific data capture hexacopter in this 32-minute conference talk by Mauro Borrageiro and Ngoni Mombeshora from the University of Cape Town. Discover how this prototype addresses the growing need for configurable drone solutions in scientific data collection across various domains. Learn about the advantages of this fully open platform over commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) drones, including improved integration of novel sensors, access to metadata from firmware, and long-term operational reliability. Examine key features such as reconfigurability between hexacopter and quadcopter modes, professional-grade Cube pilot system, versatile sensor mounting, 5G telemetry link using Open Air Interface mobile network, and containerized automated tools for metadata and data capture and streaming suitable for fleet-wide deployment.