Aerial, Underwater, and Ground Drones: The Race for Autonomy and Productivity Is On
To meet the rigorous demands of drone architects and manufacturers, UBSIDE, supported by the ComposiTIC technical facility at the University of Southern Brittany (UBS), deploys cutting-edge structural engineering and material design solutions.
Discover how we transform our clients’ challenges into industrial successes.
Structural Lightweighting: The Key to Aerial Drone Autonomy
For drone manufacturers, every gram saved translates directly into additional flight minutes or increased payload capacity. At UBSIDE, we partner with manufacturers to achieve drastic chassis optimization.
Leveraging ComposiTIC’s expertise, we utilize topological optimization and multi-axis additive manufacturing to design complex, hollow structures that are impossible to produce using traditional methods. We also offer extremely lightweight 3D-printable foamed materials with very low densities, ideal for filling and supporting internal components. Furthermore, by integrating localized continuous fiber reinforcements, we guarantee maximum rigidity with minimum weight.
👉🏼 The Result: Lighter, more robust drones with optimized battery life.
Smart Materials and Harsh Environments: Pushing Operational Limits
A drone’s performance isn’t just measured by speed, but by its ability to operate in hostile environments. Whether dealing with underwater drones subjected to high pressure and saline conditions, or aerial drones exposed to extreme temperatures and electromagnetic interference, material design is our engine for innovation.
We work on the functionalization of polymers and composites to make structures:
- Resistant: Fire resistance (aerospace/rail standards), resistance to chemical agents, UV radiation, seawater, and more.
- Communicating and Protected: Integration of electromagnetic shielding (radio-shielding) and ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protection.
Producing Faster: Accelerating Industrial Scale-up with High-Flow (HF)
Moving from prototype to mass production is often the main bottleneck for drone producers. How can drones be manufactured faster without sacrificing quality?
UBSIDE improves productivity through two major pillars:
- Process Parameter Optimization: We digitally simulate manufacturing processes to better understand their functions and limits. Through simulation and testing on your specific printing equipment, we reduce printing cycles and scrap rates. ComposiTIC is now developing digital twins of printing processes by integrating new sensors into existing equipment and leveraging data analytics.
- “High-Flow” Innovation: Using commercial-grade materials as a base, we develop high-throughput 3D-printable materials. This approach drastically reduces printing times.
Environment and Sovereignty: A Shared Solution and Approach
In the face of tightening supplies of technical materials, industrial sovereignty has become inseparable from environmental issues. Why not combine these two pillars to secure your value chains?
At UBSIDE, we believe that recycling drone parts or other composite equipment goes beyond simple eco-responsibility. By reintegrating these high-value technical materials into the production cycle, we reduce your dependence on strained external supply chains. Robustness is now a strategic imperative!
In tandem with this “reconversion” of sensitive materials, we have developed solutions to ensure:
- Authentication and Traceability: By integrating specific tracers during material processing, we can certify whether a part comes from an original batch or a specific material producer.
- Anti-Counterfeiting: These technologies allow you to know precisely who manufactured a part and where, securing the integrity of your fleets and your brand reputation.
A Unique Ecosystem: From Academic Research to Industrial Pre-series
The strength of UBSIDE lies in its direct link to the scientific excellence of the University of Southern Brittany. By mobilizing the IRDL, LBCM, and Lab-STICC laboratories, we provide unique scientific building blocks (bio-based materials, biodegradation, toxicological evaluation) which we transform into Proofs of Concept (PoC) at the ComposiTIC facility.
UBSIDE then secures your scale-up by producing your pre-series and ensuring the technology transfer to your production sites.
