Bat-Inspired UAS for Mapping and Navigation

Overview

This project focused on the mechanical design and development of a bat-inspired Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). Inspired by the echolocation capabilities of the Grey Long-Eared Bat, the platform incorporated custom components and provisions for a speaker and microphones to support future ultrasonic sensing, navigation, and mapping.

Real-life bat-inspired UAS prototype

System Development

  • Designed custom 3D-printed components in SOLIDWORKS, including a bat head attachment, ESC housing, battery box, and mounting components
  • Performed FEA across multiple design iterations to evaluate structural performance and refine component geometry
  • Conducted clearance analysis and produced scaled prototypes to evaluate fit and tolerances
  • Evaluated system weight across the frame, electronics, propulsion system, and custom 3D-printed components

Design Highlights

  • UAS Platform: Quadcopter configuration built around a stacked carbon-fiber frame
  • Bat Head: Custom attachment designed to accommodate a forward-facing speaker (Pro-Wave Electronics 400EP125-NBWN) and two omnidirectional microphones (Sonorous Objects SO.2) for ultrasonic sensing
  • Custom Components: 3D-printed housings and mounting components designed in SOLIDWORKS with consideration for weight, fit, and integration
  • Design Validation: FEA, weight analysis, clearance evaluation, and physical prototyping were used throughout the design process
Isometric CAD view of the bat-inspired UAS
Isometric CAD View
Detailed CAD view of the bat head attachment
Bat Head Design
Finite element analysis results for a custom UAS component
FEA Analysis
Weight breakdown for the bat-inspired UAS
Weight Breakdown

Acknowledgments

This project was completed in collaboration with Arvind Balakrishnan and Elijah Jones under the guidance of Dr. Adeel Khalid at Kennesaw State University.