Northwest Aerospace News April | May Issue No.14 | Page 51

T
he company has a leg up on competition in this
area because its parts are lightweight but durable,
creating a favorable strength-to-weight ratio needed
for flight. In addition, being housed in an aero-
space manufacturing facility gives the Minds-i
team the ability to tap into Altek’s
experience and expertise as
the company manufac-
tures Minds-i compo-
nent parts in-house.
During product develop-
ment, the company is focused
on making sure that safety is the
number one priority. While their rovers and drones
are durable enough to have higher powered motors
capable of moving at high speeds, Minds-i remains
cognizant of keeping students safe from injuries relat-
ed to high speed propellers or super-charged motors.
Safety is ensured by thoroughly testing all products
before releasing them for sale.
Minds-i products are distributed across the country by
Klein Education. Their website lists curriculums and
labs for catapults, robotic foundations, UAV drones,
and UAV drone gimbal rigs. Kits include 4x4 robots
and super rovers as well as competition kits for UAV
drones and integrated robotics. Accessory parts such
as motors, rack and pinion steering packages, and
multirotor flight controllers are also available to allow
for customization and a wider range of uses for the
kits.
As technology pushes forward with smart cars, drone
delivery vehicles, and other urban air mobility
options, Minds-i expects to see continued and growing
interest in its products. In response to current market
demand, Minds-i is also currently working on an
FAA-107 preparation course designed to help students
prepare for the 107 UAV Certification test. This will
be the company’s first offering targeted at a slightly
older audience, which will include adults seeking
certification to fly drones.
In addition to its educational offerings, Minds-i has
incorporated competition kits and drone cages that
challenge students to test their drones in timed
real-world simulations.
APRIL | MAY 2020 ISSUE NO. 14
51