Case Study: Intel achieves faster, safer multirotor UAV GNC development with MathWorks MATLAB & Simulink

Intel Creates Dynamic Simulation Environment for Testing GNC Algorithms for Multirotor UAVs

Intel, after acquiring Ascending Technologies, needed to accelerate development and testing of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) algorithms across a diverse fleet of multirotor UAVs (from the Intel Falcon 8+ to the Intel Shooting Star). A design‑and‑fly approach was impractical because of complex, nonlinear controllers, asymmetric airframes, and real‑world effects like sensor noise and wind. To address this, Intel turned to MathWorks tools—primarily MATLAB and Simulink (with Control System Toolbox)—to create a modular, customizable simulation environment.

Using MathWorks software, Intel developed a generic 6DOF Simulink model and a force‑and‑moment model initialized by MATLAB scripts (including thrust‑to‑RPM maps), integrated existing C controllers via C MEX S‑functions, and added state estimation with simulated sensor noise. The MathWorks‑based solution let engineers verify complex quaternion math and tune Kalman filters in simulation, cut design iterations and testing time, and evaluate new control ideas in days rather than weeks—reducing the number of flight tests required and improving confidence in flight‑ready algorithms.

Intel

Jan Vervoorst

Software Development Engineer