The ZiptieAI project

ZiptieAi provides (WIP, work in progress) detailed step-by-step hands-on instructions (shows you what I did) to

Build/fly your first drones (several types).
Add AI (making the drones "intelligent")

How ZiptieAI got started:

I wanted to learn how to build intelligent drones.
I never found a complete all-encompassing overview of how drones work or how to get started (I was really surprised by this). So I scoured the internet for any demo I could get working and documented what I did.
The docs kept getting more numerous and bigger. So I created this wiki and Gdrive.
I gradually organized into cohesive concept.

Organization (see the right sidebar):

Getting into the air ASAP. Focuses on the absolute essentials to get a basic drone into the air within 1-3 weeks (and to get an AI drone into the air within another month). If you want to build a drone ASAP, then click the link (no need to read further on this page).
Concepts and 1 Total simulation. Total simulation is based on a Youtube series that is the only great all-encompassing intro to drones I found, but its 100% (overly complicated) simulation.
EPIC 1 -- building several basic drones (note that this is a lot more "troublesome" than advertised due to confusing tools, a massive hodgepodge of technologies, components from China, and a surprising lack of basic documentation):
- Shopping list shows in detail how I ordered the parts I used. Most of the parts are from mainland China, so getting the right quality parts can be a challenge.
- 4a Platform 1: SBeeF405/INAV. SBee is the FC (flight controller) type. INAV is the firmware (the code the FC runs to keep the copter stable). SBee/INAV is not really suitable for AI, but its (or SBee/Betaflight) the best to start out with.
- 4a-2 Platform 1b: SBeeF405/Betaflight. Simply switch the previous SBee/INAV copter firmware to BF.
- 4a-3 Platform 1c: SBeeF405/Ardupilot. Not recommened, but I got to work partially. AP is normally used on Pixhawk drones, but it might make it possible to add AI to a SBee-based drone.
- 4b Platform 2: Pixhawk6c/PX4. This is the best platform for an AI drone. The Pixhawk 6c FC and the PX4 firmware have the required functionality to support AI (and the copter frame is much bigger, making it possible to carry AI companion computers).
- (SKIP) 4b-2 Platform 2b: Pixhawk6c/Ardupilot. My experiences with Ardupilot have been less than positive. I spent a lot of time on it, and could not get the motors to work. In in any case, I documented my efforts (and I will figure out the motor problem eventually).
- 7 Reference. Provides some very useful files that you rarely find in any Youtube series tutorials:
  - Tech overviews: My understanding of core drone tech.
  - Config files: Most of the config of the drone (and a few other components) are totally define by these config files (that are rarely attached to Youtube expert demos).
EPIC 2 -- Adding AI to your drone:
- 5 Platform 3: Pixhawk6c/PX4 with AI
- 6 (AI) Mission platforms. Creating specific mission platforms.
EPIC 3 -- Advanced tech and tools

PS: Why the name "Zip tie AI"?

Zip tie: Front-line Ukrainian soldiers often use zip ties to configure a drone package. My focus is on learning the components (HW and SW) that can quickly be "ziptied" together for any mission. Below: A zip tie drone on the cover of The Economist.
AI: Lost connection to the drone pilot? Carry on without him. Want to swarm the target? No problem, send an intelligent group of drones to do the job. Below: AI object recognition running in a simulator (part 1 Total simulation shows how to this step-by-step).