Project Details

VIMANA - STEM for ALL - All project Design files are maintained at VIMANA Github Repo here..

VIMANA Basic Setup Demonstration Video : Following video shows basic setup and introduction of Vimana Platform

Background / Need of Project :

As we all know during challenging period of COVID lock down, Kids spent most of their time in front of flat screen (Computer/Tablet/Smartphone) for purpose of education as well as for social communication and entertainment and today addicted to the flat screen. While smartphones can provide many benefits for kids, such as educational apps and communication with parents and friends, there are also some disadvantages to consider.

• Screen time: Excessive screen time can have negative effects on a child's physical and mental health, including obesity, poor sleep, and behavioral issues.
• Addiction: Smartphones can be addictive, and kids may become overly reliant on them for entertainment and social interaction. This can lead to problems with attention, motivation, and self-control.
  
• Social and emotional problems: Kids who are addicted to their smartphones may become isolated from their peers and family members, which can lead to social and emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. They may also struggle with communication and social skills, as well as problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
  
• Academic problems: Kids who spend a lot of time on their smartphones may struggle with academic performance due to decreased focus and attention span. They may also be more likely to engage in procrastination and time-wasting behaviors.

Considering above, I decided to build something opensource and affordable that can be useful for STEM/STEAM education and at same time improve physical and mental health and keep kids busy by learning, making and breaking without snatching Smartphone from their hands. To achieve this Aeromodelling is a best way, where kids can build micro airplane and fly it and of course crash it too :)  

Aeromodelling can be a great tool for teaching STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts to kids. 

Here are some ways in which Aeromodelling can be used in STEM education:

• Physics principles: It involves understanding the principles of physics, such as lift, drag, and gravity. By building and testing model airplanes, kids can learn about these concepts in a hands-on way.
• Math skills: It also involves math skills, such as measuring and calculating the weight, balance, and aerodynamics of a model airplane. Kids can use math concepts to design and modify their airplanes, as well as to analyze the results of their tests.
• Engineering design: Building a model airplane requires engineering skills, such as designing and constructing the frame, wings, and propulsion system. kids can use these skills to create their own airplane designs, as well as to troubleshoot and improve their designs.
• Aerodynamics: Understanding the principles of aerodynamics is essential to design and build aircraft that can fly successfully. This includes learning about lift, drag, thrust, and weight, as well as the various factors that affect an aircraft's flight characteristics.
  
• Materials: Knowing which materials to use and how to work with them is critical in aeromodelling. You will need to learn about different types of wood, plastics, composites, and other materials that are commonly used in model aircraft construction.
• Construction techniques: Aeromodelling requires a high level of precision and attention to detail. You will need to learn about various construction techniques, such as cutting, sanding, gluing, and painting, to ensure that your aircraft is built to the highest standards.
• Radio control systems: flying radio-controlled model aircraft, you will need to learn about the various components of a radio control system, including the transmitter, receiver, servos, and batteries.
• Flight dynamics: Understanding how your aircraft behaves in the air is critical to flying it successfully. You will need to learn about factors such as stability, control, and maneuverability, as well as how to adjust your aircraft's trim and balance for optimal flight performance.
• Safety: Finally, safety is of utmost importance in aeromodelling. You will need to learn about safe flying practices, as well as the proper handling and storage of hazardous materials such as fuel and batteries.

Overall, Aeromodelling can provide a fun and engaging way to teach STEM concepts to kids, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

Challenges and Limitation Of Aeromodelling : Costly Equipments, Safety concerns and Certain level of skills required to make airplane that not gona crash in its maiden flight.

The project was initiated back in 2019 just for fun and I have published initial and ugly version of the project and it get featured by hackaday as well..

Here is demo video and pic of 1st ugly yet working version developed back in in 2019..

I have developed 3 different version during my free time and currently working on 4th and latest version named VIMANA2 and the same I will be sharing here as Re-Engineering Education Contest entry. Here is a pic showing Journey of project so far..

VIMANA - STEM for ALL will address all of these Challenge and limitations of Aeromodelling in best possible way,

Objectives of VIMANA - STEM for ALL :

• Design and development of Low Cost (less than cost of a burger), open source STEM/STEAM platform that supports multiple flying model Airplane configuration.
• Reduce entry barrier cost associated with Aeromodelling and Aerodynamics learning.
• Design safe Aeromodelling platform for kids and people in surrounding. 
• Easy to control model Airplane using Smartphone Application With intuitive Audio feedback.
• Every week or fortnight provide new model support documentation and build video instruction  to keep engage kids and build larger community.

Features of VIMANA :

• Board costs less than 5 USD
• Entire Kit costs less than 10 USD
• Open Source using ESP8266 WiFi SoC and Nuvoton N76E003 microcontroller
• Optional IMU and Automatic Flight Stabilization
• Supports two DC Motor with max 4Amp Drive current (AO3400 mosfet) or 3Amp (Si2302 Mosfet)
• Supports two Servo Motors
• Full featured Android App in Landscape and Portrait mode with intuitive Audio Feedback
• Board size 40mm x 27mm and weight 3.7 grams only
• Supports Airplane design up to AUW of 100 grams
• Various Airplane models like Basic Tractor config / Canard Pusher config / Para Glider / Ornithopter / Some StarWars Inspired Designs / Paper Origami Airplane etc
• Building Material can be any thing like foam, paper, card board, coroplast, balsa with Candy stick (If your design glides well and AUW kept under 100 gram than It should fly well too)
• During Rainy or stormy day kids can also build Boat / Hovercraft / Car and learn even inside house.

Current Development Status shown in following images..

VIMANA BOARD BOTTOM SIDE :

VIMANA BOARD TOP SIDE :

VIMANA Assembled Board : 

VIMANA POWER TRAIN : 

VIMANA Most Basic differential Thrust Micro Airplane Configuration:

Fully Assembled Basic Version of Tractor Airplane Configuration with Differential Thrust:

Fully Assembled Basic Version of Pusher (canard) Airplane Configuration with Differential Thrust:

More Airplane configurations, its build instruction and Maiden Flight videos will be posted soon as its done..

All project Design files are maintained at VIMANA Github Repo here..

Following Quotes are Inspiration for this Project.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” - Leonardo Da Vinci

"creativity is the greatest rebellion in existence" - OSHO

perhaps Murphy's law  "If anything can go wrong, it will.." is a most important life long lesson taught by Aeromodelling and possibly Kids will learn the same at very early stage of their life by making, flying and breaking with VIMANA Platform.

Cheers,

Ravi