Control of a quadrotor helicopter using visual feedback

Abstract

We present control methods for an autonomous four-rotor helicopter, called a quadrotor, using visual feedback as the primary sensor. The vision system uses a ground camera to estimate the pose (position and orientation) of the helicopter. Two methods of control are studied - one using a series of mode-based, feedback linearizing controllers, and the other using a backstepping-like control law. Various simulations of the model demonstrate the implementation of feedback linearization and the backstepping controllers. Finally, we present initial flight experiments where the helicopter is restricted to vertical and yaw motions.