Nnamdi Azikiwe University Students’ Invent Quad Copter Drone

The Quad copter (drone) invented by a group of three students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state who had the flair in going into invention and leaves a legacy for humanity. Bernard Okeke who spoke on the invention worked with other colleagues, Obi Chijioke Stanley and Ekeh Vincent in 2015 to invent the drone.

The challenges were many, particularly financial problem. The materials needed were to be imported from abroad and some of the components were a brushless D.C motor, flight controller, electronic speed controller (ESC), radio transmitter and receiver and LiPo (Lithium polymer battery 3 cell and 12 volts) cost about N220, 000. Also we spent about N5, 000 on the locally sourced materials like one-quarter plywood for the frame, plastic covering for the flight controller.

Bernard Okeke said the first work as fruitless, in the sense that some of the components used were not compatible with themselves electronically. Another challenge was the time frame, considering the time of importation to finishing which wasted our time because we could not replace such components easily.   Inventors in the country lack the financial capacity to buy materials and receive no support from the government. They have no means to run around to gather items to be used.

We had no testing machine to check each component like how fast it could be in the air (aero dynamics) etc., and it has no in-built camera, which is very expensive to acquire.

I need more research work to get a material that is light and strong for the frame (body). I expect parts like motors, propellers, flight controls etc to be produced here in Nigeria to reduce the cost of production and advance to a Quad copter that lift human beings.

This machine works on the principle of radio transmitter  - radio receiver - flight control - electronic speed controller - brushless D C motors (with propellers attached)- it lifts up or takes off. It attains a height of about 300metres; with a 2.5 GH radio frequency range.

This invention can be used in the areas of providing security, cinematography, journalism and so many imaginable things with cameras placed at a height.  This invention can take Nigeria to the next level in our nation’s quest for technological development.

Many people have shown interest in the invention, especially when we participated at the Anambra state exhibition in Awka recently. We carried out demonstration on how it works, some people interviewed us and promised to help project our work, but we are yet to hear from them. I appeal to Nigerians to assist inventors in order to encourage progress and development in industry and technology.