NSIN Connects UMKC Students with NSWC Crane for ‘Origami-Inspired’ Drone
Transformative technology developed by UMKC Students in collaboration with NSWC Crane
This summer, the National Security Innovation Network provided X-Force Fellows from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) for a project that is more than meets the eye.
Throughout the design process, students Katie Butler and Adam Solimani, jokingly-compared their drone prototype to a creation from the Transformers series. Like a Transformer, their origami-inspired drone that shape-shifts based on need.
"The drone starts as a pyramid on land or water. When it takes off, it transforms into a tri-rotor configuration, with wings unfolding to become a fixed-wing aircraft," said Dr. Corey Bergsrud, an engineer with NSWC who led the project.
Left to right: Michael Floyd (NSWC Crane), Roy Allen (UMKC-MIDE) holding holding UMKC’s MAKER prototype for improved thermal operating management for Cranes Power Management Unit (PMU), and Steven Holland (NSWC Crane) NSWC Cranes Orginial PMU.
Left to right: Adam Solimani (MS Student, UMKC), Dr. Corey Bergsrud (NSWC Crane), and Kaitie Butler (MS Student, UMKC).
"This origami-inspired design is a testament to the innovative spirit driving the project. The team, including Bergsrud, has been working closely with the Fellows and other collaborators to push the boundaries of what's possible. "We currently have a generation two build ready and are just waiting for parts to come in," he said. The team plans to continue refining the design, potentially developing a swarm of drones to work together in formation.
Butler, who recently graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering, and Solimani, a graduate student in electrical and computer engineering, have been working on the second prototype of this innovative drone. The project began as a Senior Design Capstone at UMKC and has since grown into a larger effort with NSWC Crane and NSIN's support and network.
Solimani, who focuses on the drone's sensors and electrical components, appreciates the collaborative nature of the project. "Working with Crane has been great. We’re making sure that when our time on the project ends, others can pick it up and keep it moving forward," he says.
The collaboration NSIN fosters between government entities and academic institutions has formed the foundation of this project. NSWC Crane and UKMC have each played a vital role, moving the project forward from its initial concept to developing a tangible prototype.
Looking ahead, both Butler and Solimani have ambitious career plans that were fostered by the project.
Butler, with her strong mechanical engineering background, aims to continue her studies in aerospace and defense, where she sees opportunities to apply her skills on a larger scale."I want to eventually pursue a private pilot's license and possibly work in commercial drone operations," she shared, highlighting her growing interest in technical and managerial roles within the aerospace industry.
Solimani, on the other hand, is eager to blend his engineering expertise with entrepreneurial ambitions. As a co-founder of Modular Integrated Systems, a startup focused on innovative defense technologies, he is already laying the groundwork for a career combining technical development and business leadership. "I’m driven to keep pushing technology forward, especially in ways that can enhance national security," he said.
“The X-Force Fellowship is all about growing the talent pool that feeds into the defense industrial base while providing a valuable product to real DoD organizations. The collaboration between these students and the team at Crane is a perfect example of how X-Force is working to deliver on both of these objectives.”, said NSWC Crane Liaison to NSIN and the Acting Midwest Regional Director, Alyssa Robertson.
About the Defense Innovation Unit
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) strengthens national security by accelerating the adoption of commercial technology in the Department of Defense and bolstering our allied and national security innovation bases. DIU partners with organizations across the DoD to rapidly prototype and field dual-use capabilities that solve operational challenges at speed and scale. With offices in Silicon Valley, Boston, Austin, Chicago and Washington, DC, DIU is the Department’s gateway to leading technology companies across the country.
About National Security Innovation Network
NSIN is a program office in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), nested within the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). We are set up to collaborate with a wide variety of innovators to include universities, researchers, students, entrepreneurs and start-ups. We create opportunities for collaboration across communities and connect those that might not traditionally work in national security. Together, we help drive national security innovation and develop technologies that directly support the individuals responsible for protecting our country.
For more information or interview requests with Team NSIN, please contact us at [email protected].