Drone Development at Teal

Firmware Engineer · 2017 · 10 months · 4 people · 1 min read

As 4th employee at drone startup, took full development responsibilities. Streamlined workflows and improved product quality through automation

Overview

As early employee at drone designer/manufacturer, assumed full development responsibilities. Streamlined workflows, automated kernel/RFS builds, and resolved hardware issues

Problem

Development was outsourced causing delays. Manufacturing had quality issues. No formal processes for issue documentation

Constraints

  • Startup timeline (fast-paced)
  • Limited resources
  • NVIDIA TX1 platform
  • Multiple sensors (GPS, accelerometers, gyros, magnetometers)

Approach

Automated kernel and root file system patching/build process. Debugged hardware issues. Established formal issue documentation process. Overhauled communication and production processes

Key Decisions

Automate kernel/RFS builds

Reasoning:

Reduced manual errors, improved consistency, faster iteration

Use PX4 flight controller

Reasoning:

Proven open-source solution, rapid development

Tech Stack

  • Embedded Linux
  • NVIDIA TX1
  • GPS
  • Accelerometers/Gyros/Magnetometers
  • PX4
  • Flight Controllers

Result & Impact

  • Significantly reduced
    Time to Market
  • Kernel and RFS builds
    Workflows Automated
  • Sensor, power quality, WiFi
    Hardware Issues Fixed

Transformed outsourced development to in-house capability. Established processes that improved efficiency and quality

Learnings

  • Automation reduces errors and speeds up iteration
  • Early employees wear many hats
  • Formal processes scale as company grows
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