During the 2024/2025 academic year, the Atlas project focused on community support, particularly addressing forest fire challenges. The main objective was the design and manufacture of an autonomous UAV capable of surveying affected areas and carrying strategic payloads. The drones were trained to locate potential victims and facilitate communication with authorities for rescue. This led to the creation of "Prometeu" and "Ícaro" prototypes, enabling the team to explore computer vision and artificial intelligence for effective onboard models. With the new academic year, Atlas has a new coordination team and updated goals. The 61-member team, organized into six departments, is now focused on the Air Cargo Challenge 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany, and AeroCup 2026 in Santa Margarida, Portugal. These student competitions require teams to design and build aircraft that comply with specific regulations, testing performance and operational capabilities. Atlas aims to maximize payload capacity and optimize performance for the ACC26 while continuing to refine the "Prometeu" and "Ícaro" prototypes for a safe and complete mission at AeroCup26. Efforts include configuration studies, profile optimization, control surface design, wind tunnel testing, and propulsion selection. Alongside technical development, the team maintains strong motivation, collaboration, and a results-driven work dynamic. With ambition and responsibility, Atlas represents Instituto Superior Técnico, consolidating learning and innovation while preparing to face upcoming challenges.

Atlas Project Focuses on Humanitarian Drones

Suggestions→