The International Aerial Robotics Competition (IARC) has been challenging university-based teams to redefine what is possible with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Mercer University IARC Team (James Callender, Ricky Harris, and Travis Whatley under the guidance of Dr. Anthony Choi, Director of Machine Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory) are currently designing and constructing a Quadcopter, flight system, and computer vision system to prepare for the competition. The current challenge requires the UAVs to retrieve and replace a flash drive and escape the compound in less than ten minutes while faced with obstacles such as high-voltage fences, scanning security cameras, laser-tripwires, and pressure-sensitive floors. The challenges presents a significant engineering challenge in electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering.

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