In this article, I wanted to discuss new STEAM education kits. This time it is a drone. Drona Aviation an IIT-Bombay-based company designs and builds nano-drones for industrial and educational applications.
Here I want to talk about the model Pluto X and Pluto 1.2 which are aimed at STEAM education and tinkering for makers, engineers and hobbyists alike.
Pluto X
PlutoX is an RTF nano-drone designed for students and makers. Adding different accessories like sensors, LEDs, servos, etc. is possible using UniBus design. Another eye-catching facility it provides is the ability to do Image Processing using ROS. Which opens doors to limitless possibilities.
Specifications:
| Model: | Pluto X |
| Controller: | Primus X |
| Flight Time: | 9 min |
| Payload: | 15g |
| Communication: | WiFi |
| GPIOs: | 16 |
| DAC: | 2 |
| UART: | 2 |
You can order the drone from Drona Aviations‘ official website or from Amazon. If you are anything like me and love to tinker with DIY kits, this is a great tool to start with. The kit will cost you ₹12,999 ($167 US), included in the package you get the following:
- PlutoX Drone
- Camera module
- X-Breakout
- Spares: 2 Motors, 1 set Propellers
- Propeller Removal tool
- Rookie Pilot Badge
Pluto 1.2
Pluto 1.2 is powered by the Primus V4 flight controller which is a slightly downgraded version of Primus X. Primus is a reprogrammable flight controller with onboard WiFi. pluto comes with a DIY kit that you can assemble and fly using the controller app or program to fly with your imagination. For a more detailed article and review of Pluto 1.2 check out: Pluto 1.2 a Programmable Nano Drone.
Specifications:
| Model: | Pluto 1.2 |
| Controller: | Primus V4 |
| Flight Time: | 9 min |
| Payload: | 15g |
| Communication: | WiFi |
| GPIOs: | 16 |
| DAC: | 2 |
| UART: | 2 |
Pluto 1.2 can be purchased on Amazon or from Drona Aviation directly. It will cost you ₹6,799 ($87 US), in the package, you will get the following items.
- Pluto 1.2 Drone Kit
- User manual
- Spares: 2 Motors, 1 set Propellers
- Propeller Removal tool
- Rookie Pilot Badge
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Finally.
Pluto drones are not built for people who fly drones professionally. These kits are for learners and tinkerers to get into a new hobby. You get a hands-on experience with kit assembly, programming and learning the basics of drones.
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