A 3D-Printed, Open-Source, Low-Cost Drone Platform for Mechatronics and STEM Education in an Academic Context

Abstract

This paper presents the design and implementation of a 3D-printed, open-source, low-cost drone platform tailored for university-level STEM education. It offers a modular, Arduino-compatible system that enables students to engage in hands-on learning across mechatronics, robotics, control theory, and artificial intelligence.

What are the main findings?

A fully open-source, low-cost, 3D-printed drone was developed to support university-level STEM education, integrating mechatronics, robotics, control theory, and AI.

The drone platform demonstrated high pedagogical value through a case study, enhancing student engagement, technical skills, and conceptual understanding.

What are the implications of the main findings?

The drone enables hands-on, interdisciplinary learning by allowing students to engage with the full engineering lifecycle, from design and fabrication to programming and testing.

Its modular, Arduino-compatible architecture and openly available resources promote replication, customization, and research, making it a flexible and broadly applicable solution for diverse academic settings.

This study presents the design and implementation of a low-cost, open-source, 3D-printed drone platform for university-level STEM education in mechatronics, robotics, control theory, and artificial intelligence. The platform addresses key limitations of existing educational drones, such as high cost, the proprietary nature of systems, and limited customizability, by integrating accessible materials, Arduino-compatible microcontrollers, and modular design principles, with all design files and instructional materials openly available. This work introduces technical improvements, including enhanced safety features and greater modularity, alongside pedagogical advancements such as structured lesson plans, a workflow bridging simulation, and hardware implementation. Educational impact was evaluated through a case study in a postgraduate course with 39 students participating in project-based activities involving 3D modeling, electronics integration, programming, and flight testing. Data collected via a Technology Acceptance Model-based survey and researcher observations showed high student engagement and satisfaction, with average scores of 4.49/5 for overall experience, 4.31/5 for perceived usefulness, and 4.38/5 for intention to use the drone in future activities. These results suggest the platform is a practical and innovative teaching tool for academic settings. Future work will extend its educational evaluation and application across broader contexts.