Tangible Drone Fuel Monitoring System

In remote control environments such as drone operation, the operator relies exclusively on digital interfaces to understand the system. This often leads to cognitive overload, making decision-making more complex and increasing the risk of error.

This project is part of a research approach on cognition and human-machine interaction, aiming to reduce this cognitive load by transforming digital data into physical, intuitive feedback.

The goal was to reproduce a tangible interface capable of representing critical information such as fuel level and real-time consumption in a more natural and perceptible way.

The prototype is based on three complementary subsystems that translate data into physical signals.

First, a flame system represents instantaneous consumption: the higher the consumption, the larger the flame.

Second, a mechanical elevation system translates the fuel level into vertical motion: the higher the element, the fuller the tank.

Finally, an internal electronic system synchronizes all components, combining Arduino control, actuation, and ignition.

This combination creates a system where abstract data becomes directly readable through physical interaction.

To reproduce this system, I carried out a complete engineering process combining reverse engineering, 3D printing, electronics, and programming.

I designed and manufactured all mechanical parts using additive manufacturing, then progressively integrated the electronic components through unit testing and iterative wiring validation.

The final integration brought together all subsystems into a single functional prototype, ensuring coherence between mechanical, electronic, and control layers.

At the end of my internship, the prototype could not be fully tested due to the absence of a reliable gas tank system. The project was then handed over, and the prototype is now fully operational, with testing enabled through software developed by Valentin Braud.