Importance of Makers Lab and 3D Printers for Drone R&D

By Muhammad Zaidi Akid Bin Iskandar Zulfadzli , Shaffiq Danial & Alif Faisal

In recent years, the field of drone research and development (R&D) has experienced significant growth and innovation. Drones are being used in various industries such as agriculture, delivery, surveillance, and disaster response. To stay competitive in this dynamic landscape, university researchers, corporations and innovators are realizing the importance of dedicated Maker Space facilities equipped with 3D printers for prototyping, testing and even maintenance purposes of their product development. This case study explores how such facilities are crucial for advancing drone R&D.

A Makers Lab is a collaborative workspace that provides individuals and teams with the tools, equipment, and environment needed to design, prototype, and create projects. These spaces often feature advanced technologies like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines, which are instrumental in rapid prototyping.

Rapid prototyping

Drone rapid prototyping using 3D printers has gained momentum as an innovative approach, enabling enthusiasts, researchers, and professionals to quickly develop and test drone designs. This process often takes place within dedicated maker spaces and drone labs, where access to advanced equipment, including 3D printers, facilitates the creation of customized drone components and the rapid iteration of drone prototypes.

Maker spaces, collaborative workspaces equipped with various tools and technologies, including 3D printers, have become instrumental in fostering innovation across diverse fields. These spaces empower individuals and teams to experiment with creative ideas and translate them into tangible prototypes. In the context of drones, maker spaces offer an environment where drone enthusiasts and engineers can design and fabricate bespoke drone components using 3D printing technology.

Moreover, drone labs can be a specialized facility that focuses on the research, development, and testing of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). These labs often integrate 3D printing into their workflows to accelerate the prototyping process. Researchers and engineers in drone labs leverage 3D printers to fabricate customized drone frames, payload mounts, and other components, allowing for rapid design iteration and optimization.

One of the significant benefits of drone rapid prototyping in maker spaces and drone labs is the ability to tailor drones to specific applications or research objectives. Researchers can quickly modify and adapt drone configurations to carry various sensors, cameras, or experimental equipment. This flexibility fosters innovation in fields such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, and disaster response.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the need for proper material selection and quality control when fabricating drone parts with 3D printers in these environments. Ensuring that 3D-printed components meet safety and performance standards is crucial, particularly when drones are intended for professional, scientific, or commercial use.

Customization

Customizing drones using 3D printers has become a significant trend in the UAV industry. This practice empowers enthusiasts, researchers, and professionals to tailor drones to specific needs and applications. The customization of drones often occurs in specialized environments such as maker spaces and drone labs, where access to advanced equipment, 3D printers, plays a pivotal role in the design and manufacturing process.

Cost-Efficiency

Drone cost efficiency through the use of 3D printing technology has become a pivotal aspect of the UAV industry. This cost-effective approach to drone design and manufacturing is particularly pronounced in specialized environments such as maker spaces and drone labs, where 3D printing plays a vital role in creating affordable, high-performance drones.

Drone labs, dedicated research and development facilities for UAV technology, have also embraced the cost-efficiency benefits of 3D printing. Within these labs, researchers and engineers leverage 3D printing to create cost-effective prototypes and custom drone components that meet specific project requirements. This cost-conscious approach allows for a more streamlined and efficient development process, especially when compared to traditional manufacturing methods.

One of the primary advantages of drone cost efficiency through 3D printing is the reduction in production expenses. 3D printing allows for the precise use of materials, minimizing waste and thereby reducing overall costs. Additionally, the ability to create complex geometries and lightweight structures with 3D printing further contributes to cost savings, as lighter drones often require less power and offer longer flight times.

Furthermore, the iterative design process made possible by 3D printing allows for more efficient optimization of drone components. Researchers and engineers can quickly modify and test various designs without incurring substantial expenses, ultimately leading to better-performing drones at a lower cost.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Interdisciplinary collaboration between maker spaces and drone labs has emerged as a dynamic and transformative approach to advancing drone technology and applications. These collaborative efforts harness the complementary expertise and resources of these two distinct environments, fostering innovation and enabling the development of cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

Maker spaces, as collaborative workspaces equipped with various fabrication tools, bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill sets. They serve as hubs of creativity and innovation, where members can explore their ideas and experiment with emerging technologies, including 3D printing. In the context of drone development, maker spaces often provide an ideal platform for individuals with different skills, such as designers, engineers, and hobbyists, to collaborate on drone-related projects.

Drone labs, on the other hand, are specialized research and development facilities focused on UAV technology. These labs typically house experts in aeronautics, robotics, and data analytics, among other fields. Their primary mission is to advance the state-of-the-art in drone technology. They often have access to cutting-edge equipment, specialized knowledge, and research funding.

The synergy between maker spaces and drone labs yields several advantages:

Interdisciplinary Expertise: The collaboration bridges the gap between hobbyist-level drone development and professional-grade research. Maker spaces bring a diverse range of skills and creativity, while drone labs provide specialized knowledge and research infrastructure.

Innovation: The interdisciplinary nature of these collaborations fosters innovation. Maker space members often think outside the box, proposing unconventional drone designs or novel applications, while drone lab experts can offer technical guidance and feasibility assessments.

Rapid Prototyping: Maker spaces often have access to 3D printers and other rapid prototyping tools, enabling quick iteration and testing of drone components. This aligns with the iterative nature of drone design and development.

Real-World Applications: The collaboration allows for the development of drones tailored to real-world applications. Researchers in drone labs can guide the customization process to ensure that the resulting UAVs meet industry or research requirements.

Education and Skill Transfer: Maker spaces serve as educational environments where knowledge transfer occurs naturally. Drone lab experts can mentor maker space members, providing guidance in areas such as aerodynamics, sensor integration, and data analysis.

Cost Efficiency: Collaborative efforts often reduce costs through shared resources and expertise, contributing to more cost-efficient drone development.

Learning and Skill Development

Learning and skill development in the field of drone technology, facilitated by the use of 3D printers, is a dynamic process that often involves collaborative environments like maker spaces and specialized drone labs. These settings offer unique opportunities for individuals to acquire the knowledge and skills required for designing, building, and operating drones, ultimately fostering innovation and expertise in this rapidly evolving field.

Maker spaces, collaborative workshops equipped with a variety of tools and resources, are democratizing access to education in drone technology. Within these spaces, individuals, regardless of their background or expertise, can engage in hands-on learning experiences. Drone labs can serve as specialized hubs for advanced research and development in UAV technology. These labs often include experts in aerospace engineering, robotics, and data analytics. Their research and projects contribute to the cutting edge of drone technology. Importantly, many drone labs are affiliated with educational institutions, providing opportunities for students to engage in practical learning experiences.

MRANTI Makers Lab and Drone Living Lab

MRANTI is the lead agency in operationalising the Malaysia Drone Technology Action Plan 2022 - 2030 (MDTAP30) which is expected to generate RM 50.71bil in GDP contribution and create 100,000 job opportunities by 2030. MRANTI advocates this highly impactful initiative to highlight MOSTI's support in emerging technology R&D innovations, technology adoptions, and commercialisations.?

AREA57 is part of Phase 3 of MRANTI Park and is being developed for activities, events, and programmes related to UAV/drones. A complete infrastructure would include a covered netted flying area, training rooms, offices, an MRO workshop, and an open area for testing and flying drones. The AREA57 facility will be equipped with tools and equipment for developing prototypes and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).

Within MRANTI Park, it has established a Makers Lab to promote and facilitate R&D prototyping development by industry partners, startups, and university partners. The lab offers various facilities such as 3D Printers, laser cutting machine, laser engraving, CNC Milling and a metal 3D printer. The lab also provides services such as designing and product development for companies that require assistance to operate the equipment. This can help reduce the cost of the development of prototypes and parts on the end user side.

The Makers Lab also offers training programs, programming, knowledge transfer workshops and innovation competitions such as the World Engineering Day (WED) 2023 where it is a collaboration between the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), IEM and the James Dyson Award 2023. These programs advocate the need for further collaboration between all the relevant organizations in government, private and public in building a vibrant and sustainable innovation ecosystem in Malaysia.

According to Dr. NorAzmi Alias , "Makers Lab with 3D printing, laser cutting and other prototyping facilities are essential in translation of initial ideas of a robot to a 1st proof of concept (PoC) that can be viewed and tested early in the prototyping and development process. These facilities and prototyping capabilities allow for fast iteration of ideas to physical prototypes to be presented to the potential customers and users. Collaboration with public/private universities provides a continuous stream of new ideas and technologies that can be adopted, adapted and integrated into a company's new product development. While fundamental and applied research are carried out by the researchers in the university, industry collaborators can quickly adapt these new technologies into either existing products as an enhancement or into their new product lines. Industry players could continue to provide the challenges and opportunities to the academic researchers on specific problems that need to be solved where researchers could focus on in their R&D activities."

“Scuttle Robotics have prototypes built with the 3D printing and laser cutting machines at MRANTI Makers Lab. We also work with other 3D printing houses - PebbleReka for other 3D plastic parts and 3D Gens for metal 3D print parts”, he points out.

William Alvisse says, "As a vital element of the drone technology ecosystem, the Makers Lab, initiated by MRANTI, has left an indelible mark on our community, extending its impact to school students, universities, and the public at large. The lab's commitment to education and outreach has cultivated a new generation of drone enthusiasts among school students and university scholars. It has become a focal point for educational programs, workshops, and partnerships, engaging the broader public in the wonders of drone technology. This ripple effect has positioned our community as a hub for drone technology, driving economic growth and technological progress that extends far beyond its walls. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to MRANTI for their vision and commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within our community."

Malaysia’s University Makers Lab

These are some Drone Makers Lab in local universities and private institutions that is currently available:

1. Center of Unmanned Technology (CuTE), UIAM - Prof Madya Dr . Yasir Mohd Mustafah ,Prof. Dr. Ir. Zulkifli Zainal Abidin

1. UTM Aerolab - Ir. Dr. Mat Shabudin

1. UTHM’s Research Centre for Unmanned Vehicle (ReCUV) - Dr. Ahmad Hamdan Ariffin

1. USM Aerospace/UAV laboratory - Dr. Hann Woei Ho

1. Flight Technology Test centre/UiTM - Prof Madya Ts. Dr. Rizal Effendy Mohd Nasir
2. UNIKL MIAT Skywing UAV Lab -? Dr Assc. Prof. Dr. Zulhilmy Sahwee
3. UTEM Melaka - Dr. Mohd Faid Yahya
4. UMP Pusat Reka Bentuk & Inovasi Teknologi (PRINT) - Syahrulnaim Nawi
5. Sunway University - Prof Kian Meng Yap

1. UKM- Droncubator/MakersXlab
2. APU-CREDIT- Ir. Dipl-Ing. Inv. Ir. Narendran MIEAustCPEngNER IntPE SMIEEE MASME

1. UniMAP centre of Excellence UAS - Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Hazry Desa

In summary, the dynamic field of drone R&D, the importance of Maker Space facilities equipped with 3D printers cannot be overstated. These spaces offer rapid prototyping, customization, cost-efficiency, interdisciplinary collaboration, and skill development. They empower organizations to innovate faster, develop tailored solutions, and ultimately contribute to the advancement of drone technology across industries. MRANTI as the lead agency to accelerate #IdeasToImpact will play an important role as the catalyst and one stop centre for other corporations and industry players to emulate and leverage in order to further grow their internal R&D innovation development.

References:

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