11:15The team, consisting of Michelle Newwen, Francesca Franczo, Ariel Neils, and Arjun Sakar, described their process in developing the UAV, named Octtopi, which is an octacopter capable of carrying 72 pounds of cargo over a 60-mile range. They utilized advanced engineering design principles and software, such as Fusion 360, to create their model. The students emphasized their reliance on extensive research, including academic theses and mentorship from FAA professionals, to optimize their design and make informed decisions.

During the presentation, the students fielded questions from the board about the drone’s development process and the innovative methods they employed, including the use of AI tools like Perplexity for efficient information gathering. The team articulated the significance of their project in addressing the growing issue of wildfires and their impact on communities.