AUA Hosts UAV Competition

3 min read

YEREVAN, Armenia — The Zaven and Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering (CSE)  hosted a hackathon UAV simulation competition on December 10, 2022. Four separate competitions were held: one among CSE students; another among all AUA students and the public; one among faculty; and another among faculty and the public. According to the final results of the competition, students and prospective students with an interest or background in STEM scored the highest. Of over 75 participants, seven with the highest scores were given the opportunity to go to the nearest open air range (Azatazen) to test their abilities with flying physical drones. One of the organizers, Aspet Davoodi, who is a professional in the UAV field commented: “It was surprising for me just how many were interested in joining [the competition]. The participants were really quick and immediately picked up tips and tricks and started using them in flight.”

The hackathon simulator competition was essentially an obstacle course for UAVs where the operator had to navigate situations as quickly as possible. One of the fastest competitors was Armen Mkrtumyan (BSDS ‘26). He described the simulation event as “informative and practical.” When asked what role he sees UAVs playing in the future, he says “UAVs will become the main part of human lives, just like smartphones.” One can hardly disagree with that assertion as the use of UAVs is quickly becoming more integrated in society. Armen himself owns his own drone, which goes to show that there is an inherent interest in operating UAVs, as Armen himself further asked to “please organize more of these events, I would love to join as often as possible!” 

Prospective AUA student Suren Poghosyan also partook in the hackathon competition that took place during the Undergraduate Open House. A UAV enthusiast, he scored high and was invited to Azatazen. Suren spoke of the intricacies of flying a UAV, explaining how one has to take into consideration the equipment one is flying and ensure its integrity and, during the flight itself, the factors drone operators must consider include distance, battery power, landscape, temperature and wind direction. 

While it was reported that CSE students were among the best scoring competitors, there was no indication that they possessed any particular advanced knowledge of the mechanics of UAV technology. These CSE students simply had an interest in UAV technology and chose to partake in the practice runs prior to the hackathon competition. Still, there is a skill to operating a UAV; while some might be more talented than others, operating a UAV is an acquired skill that almost all people can develop. AUA student, Areg Hovhannisyan (BSCS ‘25), who participated in Azatazen, explains how “[he] do(es) not think there is a strong correlation between studying in a CSE major and being good at operating a UAV.”

The impetus behind the competition was to grow interest for the emerging technology and its myriad of uses. Areg describes how “on a personal level, it [operating UAVs] develops spatial awareness, reaction time, hand eye coordination and many other skills. On a larger scale I think it would benefit Armenia greatly to have as many UAV pilots and engineers as possible.” UAV technology is only going to further evolve and AUA is prepared to support its students with all potential applications of this new realm of science and technology.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.