Integrated Simulation and Real‐Flight to Enhance Student Performance in Learning Drone Technology

ABSTRACT

The research has explored the integrated use of simulation and real‐flight for the enhancement of drone instructional technology. The integrated simulation and real‐flight flight involves the development of 2D and 3D simulation of quadcopter drones. Specifically, 3D dynamics of drone was modeled and controlled with both full state feedback controller and model predicative controller (MPC) to achieve position and angular stability of drones. The photorealistic drone simulator was also used with this research to enhance student's capability to steer drones. The first person view (FPV) drone was also developed by students to further improve the engagement of student in learning drones. The results show that the integrated use of the simulation and hands‐on drone development and flight is mutually beneficial for students to learn drone technology. The sole use of only simulation or real‐flight can compromise the learning outcomes of the drone technology, where the integrated learning of both simulation and real drone flights has been shown essential to the success of learning drone technology. The research has practical implications for drone workforce training.