About ADVT (Here is a Timeline)
The Autonomous Delivery at Virginia Tech (ADVT) is a student-led design team at Virginia Tech focused on researching, designing, building, and testing autonomous aerial vehicles (drones) for on-campus food delivery.
ADVT is both a technical engineering project and a learning community, providing students with hands-on experience in drones, autonomy, systems engineering, safety, and project management.
The Big Idea
- Use drones as a delivery platform for food around campus
- Start with a reliable, multi-use drone platform
- Evolve into a specialized delivery drone with a payload system
- Operate strictly within VT safety rules, UAS policies, and long-term FAA guidance
The Problem We’re Aiming to Solve
Students often face challenges that go beyond academics — even something as simple as getting food can be frustrating. Long waits, crowded dining halls, bad weather, tight class schedules, late-night work, and jobs can make food access unnecessarily difficult.
ADVT aims to explore a safe, controlled drone delivery concept that can reduce friction in food access, demonstrate Virginia Tech’s commitment to innovation, and open doors for interdisciplinary research and design projects.
Leadership & Command Structure
ADVT operates with a clear, safety-focused chain of command designed to support fast decision-making, technical rigor, and accountability.
Chain of Command
Teams & Systems
ADVT is organized into specialized teams that together cover the full lifecycle of an autonomous aerial vehicle — from systems engineering and autonomy to testing, operations, and outreach.
Systems & Operations
Defines system-level requirements, testing plans, mission procedures, and safety readiness across the vehicle.
Learn more →Autonomy & GNC
Develops navigation, control, state estimation, and autonomy logic that allows the drone to fly intelligently and safely.
Learn more →Flight Software & Avionics
Builds the flight-critical software, embedded systems, sensors, communications, and avionics stack.
Learn more →Mechanical & Structures
Designs the airframe, payload integration, and structural systems to ensure strength, safety, and modularity.
Learn more →Power & Propulsion
Manages energy systems, batteries, motors, and propulsion efficiency to maximize flight time and safety.
Learn more →Ground Systems & Data
Builds operator interfaces, telemetry displays, test workflows, and analyzes flight data.
Learn more →Media & Outreach
Manages branding, documentation, recruitment, and communication with sponsors and the VT community.
Learn more →What ADVT Is Not
- Not a fully operational delivery business
- Not a replacement for existing dining services or staff
- Not a casual “toy drone” club
What ADVT Is
- A technical, project-focused design team
- A place to build real hardware and software
- A hands-on learning environment for autonomy, propulsion, structures, and safety
- A potential testbed for research collaborations and sponsorships
- Fun — but serious
Who ADVT Is For
- Engineering students (Aero, ME, ECE, CS, ISE, etc.) seeking hands-on experience
- Non-engineering students interested in media, branding, logistics, and outreach
- Freshmen and sophomores looking for long-term growth and leadership
- Juniors and seniors wanting to contribute to a meaningful technical project
Our Mission
Make on-campus deliveries easy, efficient, and reliable through autonomous aerial vehicles, while providing Virginia Tech students with hands-on experience in engineering design, teamwork, and safety-focused operations.
Main Aspects of Our Mission
- Service: Improve accessibility and convenience for students
- Learning: Offer real-world engineering experience
- Safety: Make safety non-negotiable — no shortcuts
- Innovation: Explore new ideas in autonomy and logistics
Motivation & Impact
Student Experience
- Reduced wait times and improved food access
- Support for students with mobility challenges or tight schedules
- More flexibility for late-night projects and work
Educational Value
- Experience the full engineering lifecycle: concept → design → build → test → iterate
- Hands-on practice with real-world tools like CAD, simulation, and flight software
- Team-based workflows similar to professional engineering organizations
Institutional & Community Impact
- Strengthens VT’s role as a leader in autonomy and systems engineering
- Creates collaboration opportunities with research labs and other design teams
- Builds pathways to campus partnerships (Dining, Housing, Facilities)
Technical Vision
Baseline General Drone
- Safe, stable multi-rotor platform
- Focus on reliability, endurance, and control
Specialized Delivery Drone
- Integrated payload system designed around real food containers
- Improved wind and cold-weather tolerance
- Basic autonomous navigation with failsafes
Operational Concepts
- Defined routes, altitudes, and no-fly zones
- Strong procedures, training, and checklists
- Full buy-in from VT safety, legal, and dining before real deliveries
Design Priorities
- Safety first
- Simplicity over complexity
- Modular payloads and upgradeable electronics
- Iteration driven by test data