Subteam · 04
Using Gazebo to visualize, validate, and simulate autonomous flight before real-world testing.
About
The Simulations subteam builds the virtual environment where our autonomous drone learns to fly. Using Gazebo, we create realistic 3D environments that replicate competition arenas, terrain, and obstacles.
Bugs in the control stack can be caught and fixed in simulation at near-zero cost — dramatically reducing crash risk and accelerating iteration speed across the whole team.
Focus Areas
Building accurate Gazebo models of SUAS and C-UASC arenas — waypoint fields, obstacle configurations, and target zones — for full mission rehearsal.
Setting up SITL and HIL pipelines with ArduPilot / PX4 so flight controller firmware runs against the simulated plant in real time.
Creating a high-fidelity URDF / SDF model of our physical drone with accurate mass, inertia, motor thrust curves, and aerodynamic drag.
Validating planned flight paths and waypoint sequences in simulation before upload to the real vehicle, checking for obstacle conflicts and timing.
Environment
Meetings
Mondays 6:00 PM
SlugWorks / Remote
Familiarity with Linux is helpful but not required — we'll get you set up.