Emergency communications network carried by a drone

The problem

In the first hours of a disaster, the biggest danger is not knowing where to send the teams: ground networks are the first to collapse, and the area becomes cut off from information exactly when it's needed most. The idea is to bypass the network rather than repair it: nodes store their readings locally, and the drone flies over them to collect them. Intermittent contact beats no contact.

How it works

1. DeploymentSmall ESP32 nodes are spread across the area, each with its own sensors and battery.
2. MeasurementEach node reads temperature, humidity, air quality, flame, vibration, and its location.
3. StorageThe node stores its readings locally with a timestamp until the drone arrives.
4. CollectionThe drone flies over the area, connects to each node wirelessly, and pulls its data.
5. UnloadingAfter landing, the drone uploads all the data to the server in one go.
6. DisplayThe operations dashboard shows a map of the nodes, their readings, and emergencies.

Project features

• The system works precisely when every other means has stopped — the idea's biggest strength.
• Nodes are cheap, so dozens can be deployed over a wide area.
• It combines wireless networks, flight, and data analysis in one project.
• A rare idea among local graduation projects, which makes it stand out clearly.
• It can be extended with a thermal camera or a loudspeaker for announcements.

Expected challenges

These are the main obstacles to expect during the build, laid out clearly so you know them before you start.

• A node's battery must last days, not hours — the hardest part of the project.
• The range between the drone and a node is limited, so the flight path must be planned carefully.
• The drone's flight time is short and the area is large, which requires smart path planning.
• Time synchronization between nodes without the internet.
• Nodes must withstand the disaster conditions themselves: dust, rain, and rubble.

The consultation gives you a solution for each one.

Expected committee questions

Prepare your answers in advance: these questions come up often in defenses of similar projects.

1. Why was LoRa chosen for communication between the drone and the nodes, and what is its real range?
2. How does the drone confirm it reached a node and collected all of its data?
3. How long does a node's battery last, and how was its power use reduced?
4. How do you make sure no data is lost if the drone is delayed?

Practice the defense, question by question