About CUAD!

Established in 2017, we are a team focused on building both controlled and autonomous drones to compete in the International Aerial Robotics Competition (IARC). Our goal is to advance the field of aerial robotics by tackling complex mission challenges (proposed by the IARC)  to push the boundaries of what's currently achievable. The IARC governs the challenges, aiming to create significant and useful missions that are considered 'impossible' at the time that they are proposed. Competing in these challenges not only helps advance technological progress, but also equips our members with real-world experience and valuable skills for their future work in industry.

CU Auto Drone is made up of over 40 dedicated members across multiple colleges within Cornell University. We are split up into 4 specialized subteams: Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, and Business. Each group plays a pivotal role in our ability to succeed in the IARC, allowing members to gain experience tailored to their areas-of-interest while contributing their own expertise.

This year marks a significant evolution for us. Transitioning from an independent club to a Project Team has given us broader avenues of success, but also greater needs, needs that we cannot meet by ourselves. We are in the midst of enhancing our facilities and capabilities this year, adding essential new tools and equipment to allow us to expand our work in breadth and depth; however, we need to raise funds to make this happen, and it certainly can't happen without the support of our donors like you.