Avishkar Seth

WINNERS: MQ Uni QUT DRC Droid 2026 Challenge

The Droid Racing Challenge (DRC) is an exciting autonomous robotics competition co-hosted by Queensland University of Technology (QUT), requiring teams to engineer ground-based platforms that navigate dynamic tracks, manage obstacle avoidance, and optimize real-time vision algorithms. Building on our 3rd-place finish in 2024, the Macquarie University Robotics Club (MURC) exceeded all expectations by securing 1st Place at the DRC 2026 Challenge!

This championship victory was driven by key technological developments: a custom-modified aerodynamic outer shell, an adjustable camera-rig layout, ultra-stable power-distribution engineering, and an advanced computer-vision pipeline featuring adaptive green-line detection and automatic braking systems that shaved critical seconds off our lap times.

Team Members & Mentors:
• Avishkar Seth & Alice James [Mentors]: Guided tech steering, strategic coordination, and team management throughout the session and competition days.
• Sheldon Moonjelil [Software Engg Lead]: Developed critical computer vision frameworks, logic pathways, and refined the green-line detection system.
• Benjamin Mickler [President, Software Engg]: Engineered core software setups and systemic optimization approaches to increase droid speeds.
• Cammilus John Baptist [Electrical Engg]: Handled complete electronic hardware management, power routing, and component protection.
• Alexander Asha [Mechanical Engg]: Designed the custom camera height adjuster, tracking mockups, and fabricated the team's custom droid shell.
• Medha Kumble [Software]: Developed core computer vision sub-routines and assisted with algorithm implementation.
• Nicole: Handled technical documentation, system logs, and compliance records.
• Suhaas Gambhir [Software Engg] & David Young-Min Ahn Cho [Mechanical Engg]: Provided essential support during early development, testing, and system validation.

FSE Honours & Masters Thesis Presentation Day 2026

Our first experience as primary supervisors within the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) has been a rewarding success, with the 2026 cohort delivering highly engaging slides and interactive frontend simulation dashboards. From aerial robotic manipulation hardware designs to advanced swarm relative VIO navigation tracking, these diverse student projects highlight a fantastic semester of technical growth and smooth collaborative delivery that sets a wonderful milestone for our supervisory journey.

DIN visitors at our Drone Center for a Demo of Swarm Drones and a Presentation

ADSRC visit to NSW Showcase at UTS Aerial 2026

ADSRC visit to Sydney Build 2026

Drone Centre Visit to ANU Canberra for Bushfire Research- NSSN | AFAC

First Team Lunch, Badminton Game and Industry Partner Visit March 2026

O Week at Macquarie University

Industry Acceleration & Innovation

Our journey in 2026 began with the CSIRO ON Accelerator program, where we worked alongside Australia’s leading innovators to translate aerial robotics research into commercial reality. This experience culminated in high level collaborations with Nokia and XM2, focusing on the integration of 5G connectivity with swarm drone logistics to solve complex industrial challenges.

ADSRC Flight Facilities & Testing Grounds

Validation is the heartbeat of our research. We have significantly expanded the Advanced Drone Systems Research Centre (ADSRC) flight facilities, providing a dedicated indoor arena for high precision testing. These spaces allow us to iterate on vision based landing and swarm coordination in a controlled environment before moving to the unpredictable conditions of field deployment.

Community & Computing Showcases

The MQ Computing Showcase remains a vital platform for connecting our research with the broader academic and student community. Under the new ADSRC identity, we continue to bridge the gap between rigorous software engineering and physical mechatronic systems, inspiring students to build the autonomous future they want to see.