Monash UAS ranks first place in the International UAV Challenge

In late September, 24 Monash Engineering undergraduates made the two day drive from Monash University to Dalby, in rural Queensland, to compete in 2018 Medical Express UAV Challenge. Of the 55 teams that progressed through the first written deliverable,13 teams from 8 different countries were invited to compete in Dalby.

In late September, 24 Monash Engineering undergraduates made the two day drive from Monash University to Dalby, in rural Queensland, to compete in 2018 Medical Express UAV Challenge. Of the 55 teams that progressed through the first written deliverable,13 teams from 8 different countries were invited to compete in Dalby.

Monash Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) came very close to completing the entire challenge and won the Rod Walker Trophy and $10,000 for the highest overall ranking team. The team had the highest score for the technical report and came a narrow second in both the interview and flight stages.

This was the best result of the team so far after four entries and makes them the best performing undergraduate team at the UAV Challenge. Team Dhaksha, a well funded postgraduate team from India, came a close second, and Canberra UAV, a team composed of professional engineers and principle developers of the Arduplane open-source autopilot software used globally, came third after their canopy unfortunately came loose during flight.

“The team has put in a huge volunteer effort over the last two years - this result reflects well their commitment, capabilities, maturity and teamwork, and on the great support they have received from Monash University,” said one of the academic supervisors, Professor Hugh Blackburn. The team has learnt a great deal from the 2018 competition and was inspired by the fantastic aircraft and teams they met during the UAV Challenge.

Recruitment for the 2019 team is currently open on their Facebook and Monash UAS website closing Friday 19 October. Monash UAS hopes to complete the full Medical Express Challenge and Extension Tasks for a chance at $75,000 in the near future!