ArduPilot

ArduPilot aims to enable the creation and use of trusted, autonomous, unmanned vehicle systems for the peaceful benefit of all. Ardupilot is a project that can currently be described as an autopilot suite. As an open source project, it is constantly evolving and being developed. The development "DEV" team uses the community and commercial partners to add functionality to ardupilot that benefits everyone. Although ardupilot does not manufacture any hardware, ardupilot firmware works on many different boards (hardware) to control unmanned vehicles of all types. Coupled with ground control software, unmanned vehicles running ardupilot can have advanced functionality including real-time communication with operators. Ardupilot has the largest community dedicated to helping users with questions, problems, and solutions

Copter -- Plane -- Rover -- Sub -- Antenna Tracker

Hardwareis the peripheral sensors, controller, and output devices that act as the vehicle’s eyes, ears, brain, arms etc.Almost any mobile machine can be transformed into an autonomous vehicle, by simply integrating a small hardware package into it. Hardware packages begin with a controller.Using inputs from sensors, the controller is able to send outputs to devices such as ESC’s, servos, gimbals, etc.		Firmware- is the code or “skill set” running on the controller. You choose the firmware to match your vehicle and mission:Copter,Plane,Rover, Sub, orAntenna Tracker.The choice is yours – one autopilot for any mission. A firmware update is all it takes to repurpose your hardware into a different role.		Softwareis your interface to the controller. Also called a Ground Control Station (GCS), the software can run on PC’s or mobile devices.A GCS allows users to set-up, configure, test, and tune the vehicle. Advanced packages allow autonomous mission planning, operation, and post-mission analysis.Mission Planneris a full-featured GCS supported by Ardupilot. It offers point-and-click interaction with your hardware, custom scripting, and simulation.

Community:

Keep up with the latest ArduPilot related blogs onArduPilot.org!

Community is what really sets ArduPilot apart from other proprietary offerings in the market. Ardupilot offers areas for open discourse on the project’s direction. Here are some of the places you can find ardupilot users and developers:

Discussion Forums:

Facebook ArduPilot group

Developer Community:

Developers Portal

All things for those who want to get into the nuts and bolts of ArduPilot development can be found in the developer portal. ie.meeting times,Gitter Chatandemail groups

History:

A constantly evolving repository of knowledge and innovation. The DIY Drones community provided a home and now still provides inspiration for ArduPilot. A comprehensive list of features that are continually born from the needs of the community.

Features: