Unmanned Systems Canada Student UAS Competition

Mission

The competition required autonomous response to security scenarios, including:

• Detecting and disposing of a suspicious device near a secure facility
• Automatically responding to perimeter intrusions via QR-coded alert messages
• Tracking intruders while minimizing UAV noise signature

My Role

• Led software development and mission operations for UBCO Aerospace competition UAV
• Developed Python scripts integrated with ArduPilot (Pixhawk) for mission logic and autonomous task execution
• Implemented QR-code detection using Python and OpenCV to dynamically update mission targets
• Configured and executed complex missions using Mission Planner
• Operated the UAV through the ground control station during competition runs
• Coordinated in real-time with the pilot and flight crew for mission execution and safety compliance
• Conducted pre-flight validation, system checks, and parameter tuning during testing
• Tuned flight parameters and validated system performance through iterative flight testing

Results

Achieved 2nd Place Overall and received the Innovation Award in consecutive national competitions (2022 & 2023)