CUAD 2025: Carrier-Launched Glider & Ultra-Fast UAVs
Cornell University Autonomous Drone
This semester, our team is focused on building a fully autonomous tracking glider drone with midair deployment capabilities. We are building autonomous drone systems that push the boundaries of drone technology, and these systems have the potential to be widely applicable in fields ranging from videography to wildlife monitoring!
We are also continuing our work from last year, and we are building technology that will bring us closer to the ambitious goal of building a drone capable of a speed that breaks the Guinness World Record. By collaborating across our subteams, we are determined to set a new benchmark in autonomous drones and bring this record-breaking vision to life.
Thanks to generous donations during our last fundraising cycle, we were able to build a large carrier drone, and we demonstrated successful midair deployment of a high-speed drone! We are so appreciative of the support we received, and we are so excited to continue to use this drone in our new projects!
We are divided into Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, and Business subteams. Each unit contributes its unique expertise, making us not just a team of skilled engineers and strategists, but also a close-knit community of friends who share a common passion for innovation in aerial robotics.
Our goal is to excel in aerial robotics by designing, building, and flying advanced drones that can tackle complex and challenging projects. We are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through team-driven goals and projects.
Our rigorous schedule includes weekly meetings and work sessions where subteams focus on specialized tasks, while full team gatherings ensure unity and coherence in our approach. Beyond the technical work, we engage in regular social events, fostering a team spirit and a supportive environment that’s crucial for our collective success.
With a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence, we encourage creativity and provide the freedom to explore ambitious, cutting-edge projects.
As a registered student organization, we are committed to equal access to all of our programs and do not discriminate based on any protected identity status.
$50
Propeller protégé
Your donation funds a set of high-quality propellers, ensuring flight stability and performance.
$100
Battery benefactor
This amount provides a high-capacity battery, extending our drones' flight time for more extensive testing and missions.
$250
Flight control funder
Your generosity covers a high-quality flight controller that is at the heart of one of our drones.
$500
Sensor supporter
Your contribution equips our drones with an advanced suite of sensors, enhancing their autonomous navigation capabilities.
$1,000
Power train power donor
This donation level covers the cost of the power train for one of our larger drones, allowing us to build large drones and complete more interesting tasks.