NXP Semiconductors is charging up the drone world this year, launching the second-annual  HoverGames Challenge 2: Help Drones Help Others.

The challenge-based, interactive coding competition encourages developers to create drone solutions for frontline support during pandemics such as COVID-19.

HoverGames Challenge participants will use NXP’s automotive, industrial and IOT technologies for system control, networking, security and motor control in an effort to “make a difference in pandemic response.”

An NXP spokesperson notes:

“The collateral effects of pandemics leave citizens with difficult challenges to overcome.  A lack of mobility, social isolation and lack of access to goods and services can be physically and psychologically devastating. HoverGames Challenge 2 will inspire participants to develop pioneering ways to use drones to help healthcare and frontline workers overcome these barriers.”

Drone Developer Kit

The hardware and software of this year’s developer kit remains open, flexible and modular. The flight management unit (RDDRONE-FMUK44FMU) includes professional, automotive and industrial-grade components enabled by the PX4 flight stack.

PX4 is a large commercially deployed open source flight stack and supports contemporary airframe architectures including VTOL aircraft, multicopter and rover profile. The kit also includes a strong, rigid, lightweight carbon-fiber quadcopter frame with platform, mounting rails, landing gear, motor controllers, motors and props as well as telemetry radio and remote control (RC) radio.

This year’s kit will contain a bonus extension component, the NavQ, an i.MX8M Mini Vision development board.

Get Involved in HoverGames

• Visit HoverGames.com for entry details and submit the required application before July 31.
• Apply your amazing creative and innovative ideas to help fight pandemics in unique and disruptive ways
• Competition closes Nov. 30; winners will be announced in December 2020

“The current pandemic has exposed our vulnerability to disease and the general structural breakdown that can occur during a crisis,” said Iain Galloway, Drone Program Lead, Systems Innovation, NXP. “But we don’t have to feel powerless in its wake, we can harness technology to make a difference. We invite you to leverage a complete functional system of hardware and software for drone and rover development and to share your creative solutions.”