SkyLoops: Smart and Fun Drone Racing Track for Kids

Problem Statement

Skyloop is an immersive, interactive drone racing track enhanced with color-changing checkpoints that react in real time. These hexagonal checkpoints are embedded with ultrasonic sensors and programmable LEDs. When a drone flies through a checkpoint, the sensors detect the motion, triggering LED color changes that visually mark progress and provide immediate feedback to racers.

Contributors

Ishaan Pilar, Vedant Gugale, Puneet Xaxa, Inesh Kotian, Utkarsh Verma, Noel Ray Verma, Omkar Gawde

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About SkyLoops: Smart and Fun Drone Racing Track for Kids

Solution

Each checkpoint is equipped with two ultrasonic sensors to improve detection accuracy (a single sensor proved insufficient due to narrow detection angles). The system is powered by ESP microcontrollers. As a drone crosses a checkpoint: The ultrasonic sensors detect the motion. The ESP board triggers the LEDs to flash or change colors. The ESP communicates with other checkpoints, enabling synchronized light patterns across the track.

Additional Info

What’s Next: Skyloop’s modular and hackable ESP-driven infrastructure opens up future possibilities: Dynamic race tracking Real-time scoring Advanced visual effects Custom game modes for training or tournaments