Advisors: Dr. Sherif Abdelhamid and Dr. Sangmork Park, CIS
Cadet-in-Charge (CIC): Lucian Castellon '27

The Drones and Internet of Things (IoT) Club at VMI is dedicated to fostering an environment where cadets can explore, innovate, and develop expertise in drone technology and IoT solutions. The club provides a platform for hands-on learning, research, and collaboration, preparing cadets for these emerging technologies' military and civilian applications. 

The club aims to intellectually stimulate cadets and enhance their academic and military proficiency through practical activities. These include assembling, repairing, flying, and programming drones and working with IoT hardware and software. By engaging in these cutting-edge fields, cadets will gain valuable experience applicable to real-world problem-solving in both military and civilian domains.  

The club seeks to enhance the cadet experience in:

• Military Application:
  
  • Provides exposure to drone technology and IoT systems relevant to modern military operations.
  • Offers training in drone piloting and maintenance, including FAA drone certification.
  • Encourages teamwork and leadership through structured project teams.
• Academic Growth:
  • Develops technical knowledge in drone engineering, AI, networking, and IoT applications.
  • Enhances problem-solving and critical thinking through hands-on projects and challenges.
  • Promotes interdisciplinary collaboration with other VMI academic departments.
• Intellectual Engagement:
  • Encourages innovative thinking by applying drones and IoT solutions to real-world scenarios.
  • Fosters mentorship through tutoring sessions on drone and IoT-related topics.
  • Facilitates research and development projects contributing to unmanned aerial systems and smart technology.  

Club activities include:

• Hands-on Workshops: Training sessions on drone assembly, programming, flying, and maintenance. The club has organized multiple sessions in the past, inviting industry and military experts and planning for more events. 
• IoT Innovation Projects: Building smart devices and integrating IoT with drones for various applications. Testing drone detection for security and integrating drones with user cameras for surveillance. Fixing old drones and purchasing over ten new drones of different models. 
• Drone Racing Events: Organizing friendly competitions to develop piloting skills and teamwork. One race event was performed last year, and planning for more. 
• Collaboration with Other Clubs and Departments: Club members from different departments, including CIS, ECE, IS, and ECBU.  
•  FAA Drone Pilot Certification: Providing cadets and VMI staff members the opportunity to train for and obtain official drone pilot licenses. One staff member and cadets have already been sponsored. 
• Community Engagement: Conducting demonstrations and outreach programs to promote STEM education. Over ten events and sessions have been organized. 
• Research and Development: Encouraging cadets to work on research initiatives related to drone swarming, surveillance, and automation. Two research publications have already been published in peer-reviewed conferences.