This project aims to assemble a student team to participate in the DARPA Lift Challenge (https://www.darpa.mil/research/challenges/lift ), a nationally competitive effort to develop novel drone/UAS platforms capable of lifting more than four times their own weight . Achieving this goal requires the design, fabrication, and experimental validation of new aerodynamic configurations, lightweight structural systems, propulsion architectures, and control strategies.
The work spans mechanical design, aerodynamics, materials, embedded systems, and field testing. Students will engage in concept development, CAD and simulation, prototyping, bench-top and load-lifting experiments, and preparation for flight tests. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to the creation of a next-generation heavy-lift aerial system with meaningful real-world impact.
Name of research group, project, or lab
MiNiRoLab
Logistics Information:
Project categories
Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics
Computer Science & Engineering
Materials Science & Engineering
Student ranks applicable
First Year
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Graduate Student
Student qualifications
Technical Requirements
Strong interest in robotics, aerospace, mechanical design, or control systems Experience or willingness to learn:CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, etc.) Prototyping and fabrication (3D printing, machining, laser cutting) Basic electronics and embedded systems Data collection and analysis Ability to perform hands-on experiments and iterative prototyping Professional Expectations
Reliable, punctual, and committed to weekly lab meetings and project deadlines Willingness to learn independently and take ownership of assigned tasks Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment Motivation to drive the project forward during the semester and, ideally, during summer research Preferred but Not Required
Prior experience with drones, RC aircraft, or UAS systems Background in aerodynamics, flight dynamics, or propulsion Programming skills (Python, C++, MATLAB) Interest in FAA regulations and safety requirements
Compensation
Research for Credit
Unpaid - Volunteer
Project start
Spring 2025
Expectations and Structure
General guideline for the work, reports, and presentations expected for success in EE28499/48499 Undergraduate Research.
1. Amount of work performed over the semester = 3 hrs/week * 15 weeks * (# of credit hours). e.g., if you are registered for 2 credits, you should come to lab 2*15*2 = 60 hours of work over the semester or 2 hours/week, and must attend weekly lab meeting. If you are unable to commit the necessary time this semester, please consider registering in a future term.
2. Length of final report = 1,000 * (# of credit hours) words + figures/plots/images,
3. The final presentation should be 7 × (number of credit hours) minutes in length. Each student will give an oral presentation to at least two faculty members, including the EE 48499 / EE 28499 advisor. Presentations will take place on May 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM .
4. Students must attend the weekly lab meetings held on Thursdays from 10:00–11:45 AM . If you have a scheduled conflict, you may still participate in the research, but you will not be able to receive course credit.
5. I expect students to collaborate with one of the PhD students in the lab.
Contact Information:
Name of project director or principal investigator
Yasemin Ozkan-Aydin
Email address of project director or principal investigator
yozkanay@nd.edu
