TRLUP – Advanced UAV System for Indoor and Confined-Space Navigation

We are developing a compact, autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform engineered specifically for operation in GPS-denied, confined, and hazardous environments. Designed for use in search and rescue (SAR), industrial inspection, infrastructure monitoring, etc., the platform addresses key limitations of conventional drones and ground robots, which often struggle with maneuverability, stability, and situational awareness in tight or cluttered spaces. The UAV features a lightweight aerodynamic design and an advanced flight control system that enables multidirectional movement and stable navigation in enclosed or obstructed areas. It integrates onboard sensors, including LiDAR, depth cameras, and inertial measurement units (IMUs), to support real-time mapping, collision avoidance, and autonomous operation without GPS. Its modular payload architecture allows users to attach mission-specific tools such as thermal imaging cameras, chemical sensors, or gas detectors, making the system highly adaptable to diverse operational needs. Initial R&D has demonstrated strong performance in lab-scale testing, validating flight stability, environmental awareness, and payload flexibility. The next phase of development focuses on ruggedizing the design, optimizing for manufacturability, and refining autonomy and sensor fusion for real-world deployment. Through the TRL program, we aim to complete field trials, secure intellectual property through a provisional patent filing, engage regulatory bodies like Transport Canada, and build partnerships with early adopters across the public safety, mining, infrastructure, and defense sectors. By offering fast, safe, and reliable access to environments where human entry is dangerous or impractical, our UAV platform has the potential to reduce operational risks, improve emergency response times, and enhance data-driven decision-making. This project supports Canada’s broader innovation goals by advancing autonomous robotics, improving safety across critical industries, and enabling scalable technology solutions for complex field environments.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jamie McInnis;Robert Davies

Student:

Partner:

The ETC Foundation

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Program: