Team AngelWings, is a visionary group of students from Andrews University. They have achieved a remarkable milestone. Team AngelWings was chosen for NASA’s prestigious Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Innovation and Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC). Team AngelWings flew out to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas for Space2Pitch Competition.
This distinguished honor recognized Team AngelWings’ ingenuity, technical skills, and commitment to solving real-world challenges. Their innovative project, “AngelWings VTOL Drone Logistics,” seeks to revolutionize drone delivery systems in under served rural areas. By leveraging NASA’s Near-Real Time Verification and Validation of Autonomous Flight Operations technology (TOP2-320), the team is addressing critical logistical issues that many communities face.
The AngelWings VTOL Drone Logistics Concept
Traditional drone services focusing solely on delivery, AngelWings introduces a groundbreaking two-way delivery system. Drones would deliver essential items, such as medical supplies and retail products but also facilitate returns. This is an invaluable service for healthcare and e-commerce industries.
Key features of the project include:
- Two-Way Delivery Capability: Facilitates the return of unused medical supplies or faulty products, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
- Strategic Hub Network: Ensures seamless delivery and pickup across extensive rural areas, improving accessibility.
- Hybrid-Powered Drones: Combines fuel efficiency and environmental consciousness for a sustainable logistics solution.
- GPS-Independent Navigation: Enables reliable operations even in regions with poor GPS coverage.
These innovations make AngelWings a transformative solution for under served communities, delivering faster and more reliable service while addressing critical logistical challenges.
AngelWings’ Team Behind the Innovation
The team’s diverse expertise and collaborative spirit have been key to their success. Team AngelWings comprises:
- Derek Feitosa, Engineering major, Junior
- Guichard Manigat, Computer Science major, Senior
- Cin Thang, Information Systems and Master of Divinity student
- David Brown, Information Systems major, Junior
- Donnie Vanterpool, Information Systems major, Senior
- Jeremiah Bahadur, Cybersecurity major, Senior
Guided by the mentorship of Professor Armand Poblete, the students have worked tirelessly to refine their concept. “We are immensely proud of Team AngelWings,” said Poblete. “Their project showcases not only their talent and determination but also the values and educational standards of Andrews University. Being selected to present at NASA’s Johnson Space Center is a monumental achievement, and we can’t wait to see the impact they will make in Houston.”
Andrews University’s Role in Innovation
Andrews University has dedicated to promote academic excellence and foster innovation. NASA’s MITTIC competition underscores this mission by challenging students from Minority Serving Institutions to create innovative uses for NASA intellectual property. The success of Team AngelWings demonstrates the university’s commitment to equipping students with the skills and opportunities to excel in competitive industries.
Looking Ahead
Team AngelWings prepared and presented their project at NASA Johnson Space Center. This young group of innovators are not just representing Andrews University but also paving the way for future innovators. The School of Business is proud of the AngelWings Team and their accomplishments.
