Zyrkia

We aim to improve sailors safety by providing a hands-free and remotely-managed drone with a release-retrieve system that works on any kind of vessel. It would be fully automated, free standing, always available UAV system. It would be controlled by voice or using a touch-screen, so the pilot is able to keep his concentration on skipping while the drone takes off, flights to the assigned location and sends live image and sound to the remote screen.

Our main objective is to build a robotic arm & case that are:
1. Water, wind and solar radiation resistant.
2. Light weight, strong and able to stand vibrations and changing wind forces.
3. Easy to install (not requiring special tools for it).
4. Cheap to build and to maintain.
5. Easy to operate.

We are also working on the other relevant components:
1. A drone with infrared and visible image cameras (based on existing solutions).
2. System electronics to manage the arm, case and communications with drone and remote controller.
3. Remote controller software (Android).

We have already completed a full analysis of the market and have built a proof of concept based on the results. To achieve this we have:
1. Learned how to 3D design and print.
2. Modified and printed an open-source 6 axis robotic arm (Moveo), to test different design patterns and programming procedures.
3. Tested different concepts, to choose the most resistant, cheapest and reliable option.
4. Designed the concept arm and printed it.
5. Tested the concept arm to identify issues / inconsistencies with our product needs.

Currently we are starting a prototype design, using previous learning from proof of concept and market research, working closely with a professional engineering / design organisation from France (entreautre).

We are focused on the robotic arm and AI, as main innovations. The drone and remote controller software are mostly available from other providers, so we would like to reuse as much as possible.