Electronic components and key algorithms for a prototype drone: Economic and sustainability advantages

Luigi Bibbo; Emanuela Genovese; Clemente Maesano; Sonia Calluso; Gabriele Barrile; Giuseppe Maria Meduri; Giuliana Bilotta; Vincenzo Barrile; Luigi Bibbo; Emanuela Genovese; Clemente Maesano; Sonia Calluso; Gabriele Barrile; Giuseppe Maria Meduri; Giuliana Bilotta; Vincenzo Barrile

doi:10.3934/electreng.2026005

AIMS Electronics and Electrical Engineering

2026, Volume 10, Issue 1: 92-128. doi: 10.3934/electreng.2026005

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Research article Special Issues

Electronic components and key algorithms for a prototype drone: Economic and sustainability advantages

1.
Department of Architecture and Design (DAeD) – "Mediterranea" University of Reggio Calabria, Via dell'Università, 89124, Reggio Calabria, (Italy); luigi.bibbo, giuliana.bilotta, giuseppemaria.meduri@unirc.it
2.
Department of Civil, Energy, Environment and Materials (DICEAM) – "Mediterranea" University of Reggio Calabria, Via Zehender, 89124, Reggio Calabria, (Italy); emanuela.genovese, giuseppemaria.meduri, giuliana.bilotta, vincenzo.barrile@unirc.it
3.
Department of Civil, Building and Environmental Engineering (DICEA) – "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via Eudossiana, 18, 00184, Rome, (Italy); sonia.calluso, clemente.maesano@uniroma1.it
4.
LUISS Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli Viale Pola 12, 00198 Roma, (Italy); gabriele.barrile@studenti.luiss.it

Academic Editor: Kit Zhang

Received: 16 June 2025 Revised: 21 October 2025 Accepted: 13 November 2025 Published: 20 January 2026

In recent years, the use of drones for cargo transport has experienced rapid development, driven by the need to reduce the environmental impact of traditional delivery systems and improve access to essential services, particularly in complex urban environments. In this study, we aimed to present the first experimental results for the development of a drone prototype characterized by low energy consumption and the integration of advanced technologies, with attention to the electronic components and embedded algorithms. The combination of cutting-edge technologies with such advanced algorithms enabled us to witness a reduction in the carbon footprint in terms of resource optimization, due especially to the neural network algorithms suitable for path analysis and obstacle detection, and the cutting-edge processor that enables us to manage and analyze the data derived from the different sensors. The design of this drone focuses on minimizing environmental impact through optimized energy resources by using high-efficiency components, including brushless DC motors and lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries integrated with perovskite photovoltaic cells that extend flight autonomy while reducing dependence on traditional energy sources. The drone's body, made of lightweight and durable materials, improves aerodynamic efficiency without compromising structural strength. Advanced artificial intelligence algorithms optimize flight paths, prevent collisions, and adapt dynamically to environmental conditions. Thanks to computing platforms such as the NVIDIA Jetson Nano and equipped with advanced sensors like LiDAR, accelerometers, and gyroscopes, the drone processes data in real-time, enhancing its autonomous operation and ensuring precise and stable navigation. The proposed prototype represents a significant step toward a future where technology supports sustainability, providing innovative solutions for modern society's needs aiming to reduce urban traffic and pollutant emissions, offering an efficient and ecofriendly solution for urban logistics.
- UAVs,
- eco-sustainable UAV,
- electronics components,
- perovskite,
- artificial intelligence (AI),
- prototype
Citation: Luigi Bibbo, Emanuela Genovese, Clemente Maesano, Sonia Calluso, Gabriele Barrile, Giuseppe Maria Meduri, Giuliana Bilotta, Vincenzo Barrile. Electronic components and key algorithms for a prototype drone: Economic and sustainability advantages[J]. AIMS Electronics and Electrical Engineering, 2026, 10(1): 92-128. doi: 10.3934/electreng.2026005

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Abstract

In recent years, the use of drones for cargo transport has experienced rapid development, driven by the need to reduce the environmental impact of traditional delivery systems and improve access to essential services, particularly in complex urban environments. In this study, we aimed to present the first experimental results for the development of a drone prototype characterized by low energy consumption and the integration of advanced technologies, with attention to the electronic components and embedded algorithms. The combination of cutting-edge technologies with such advanced algorithms enabled us to witness a reduction in the carbon footprint in terms of resource optimization, due especially to the neural network algorithms suitable for path analysis and obstacle detection, and the cutting-edge processor that enables us to manage and analyze the data derived from the different sensors. The design of this drone focuses on minimizing environmental impact through optimized energy resources by using high-efficiency components, including brushless DC motors and lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries integrated with perovskite photovoltaic cells that extend flight autonomy while reducing dependence on traditional energy sources. The drone's body, made of lightweight and durable materials, improves aerodynamic efficiency without compromising structural strength. Advanced artificial intelligence algorithms optimize flight paths, prevent collisions, and adapt dynamically to environmental conditions. Thanks to computing platforms such as the NVIDIA Jetson Nano and equipped with advanced sensors like LiDAR, accelerometers, and gyroscopes, the drone processes data in real-time, enhancing its autonomous operation and ensuring precise and stable navigation. The proposed prototype represents a significant step toward a future where technology supports sustainability, providing innovative solutions for modern society's needs aiming to reduce urban traffic and pollutant emissions, offering an efficient and ecofriendly solution for urban logistics.

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