# 198: Unmanned Flying Thingy

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2017-05-04
- Length: 1h 16m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-05-04-198-unmanned-flying-thingy
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/198-unmanned-flying-thingy

## Summary

Walter Stockwell, Director of Technical Standards at DJI, discusses the evolving regulatory landscape for drones, including the distinction between autonomous and remotely piloted systems, and the FAA's Part 107 certification requirements. He details the results of the ASSURE UAS Ground Collision Severity Evaluation, which used crash test dummies to determine that drone impacts pose significantly lower injury risks than solid objects of equivalent mass, influencing safety standards. Stockwell also explains the role of Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) in aviation certification and the technical challenges of sensor fusion, such as Kalman and Madgwick filters, in maintaining stable flight.

## Chapters

- [0:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-05-04-198-unmanned-flying-thingy#t=49) Introduction: Walter Stockwell and DJI
- [4:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-05-04-198-unmanned-flying-thingy#t=261) Terminology: Drone, UAV, UAS, and RPAS
- [6:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-05-04-198-unmanned-flying-thingy#t=407) Autonomy vs. Remote Pilot Responsibility
- [11:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-05-04-198-unmanned-flying-thingy#t=666) FAA Part 107 Licensing and Recreational Exemptions
- [17:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-05-04-198-unmanned-flying-thingy#t=1022) Drone Incidents and Airspace Safety
- [27:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-05-04-198-unmanned-flying-thingy#t=1653) Technological Enablers: Batteries and IMUs
- [36:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-05-04-198-unmanned-flying-thingy#t=2174) Safety Standards and the ASSURE Crash Test Report
- [53:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-05-04-198-unmanned-flying-thingy#t=3226) FAA Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs)
- [1:04:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-05-04-198-unmanned-flying-thingy#t=3880) Sensor Fusion: Kalman and Madgwick Filters

## Topics

- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Certification & compliance](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/certification-and-compliance)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- DJI (company)
- Phantom (product)
- Intel (company)
- Pepsi (company)
- FAA (other)
- ASSURE (other)
- Crossbow (company)
- Madgwick Filter (tool)
- Kalman Filter (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Colby Harvey: Drones for Aircraft Inspections, Boeing, Air Force, Air Safety | Hard Tech Podcast #13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2023-09-24-colby-harvey-drones-for-aircraft-inspections-boeing-air-force-air-safety-hard-te) (Hard Tech Podcast)
- [Episode 103: Delivering medicine by drone - Keenan Wyrobek](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-12-20-episode-103-delivering-medicine-by-drone-keenan-wyrobek) (Robot Talk)
- [Roger Pecina: Drones as First Responders, Flying Cars, Minority Report, DJI | Hard Tech Podcast #12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2023-09-03-roger-pecina-drones-as-first-responders-flying-cars-minority-report-dji-hard-tec) (Hard Tech Podcast)
- [A look at Zipline's future & the design of the Zip's Droid](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2024-02-07-a-look-at-ziplines-future-the-design-of-the-zips-droid) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Voice-Activated Everything on the Cheap | Jets & Hoverboards & Reliability | AVs: How Safe is Safe?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2019-09-27-voice-activated-everything-on-the-cheap-jets-hoverboards-reliability-avs-how-saf) (EE Times Current)

## Citing this page

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