What is DroneEngage?

DroneEngage is a professional, cloud-based companion computer ecosystem designed for ArduPilot and PX4-based vehicles. It leverages cellular networks (4G/LTE/5G) and the internet to provide unlimited-range telemetry, high-definition video streaming, and advanced fleet management.

As the Linux-based evolution of the Andruav project, DroneEngage moves beyond mobile-phone-based hardware to support dedicated single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi, offering a modular and robust architecture for enterprise and long-range drone operations.


Key Features

Telemetry & Control

  • Unlimited range telemetry connection via 4G/LTE/5G networks

  • Forward telemetry to/from ground stations (Mission Planner, QGroundControl)

  • Remote control via gamepad over the internet

  • Web-based ground control station accessible from anywhere

Video & Camera

  • Stream video from one or more cameras

  • Record video and capture images on the drone or remotely

  • Support for Raspberry Pi cameras and USB cameras

Fleet Management

  • Control multiple drones from a single interface

  • Advanced geo-fencing independent of flight controller

  • Swarm operations with synchronized missions

  • Hierarchical swarm formations

Safety Features

  • RC Blocking - field pilot can override remote control

  • TX Freeze - maintain throttle position for long-range flights

  • Independent geo-fence enforcement


In a Nutshell

DroneEngage consists of:

  • Companion Software - Runs on Raspberry Pi connected to your flight controller

  • Web Client - Browser-based ground station for control and monitoring

  • Camera Module - Video streaming and recording platform

  • Cloud Server - Connects all components securely over the internet


Requirements

Essential:

  • Raspberry Pi (Zero W, Zero 2 W, 3, 4, or 5)

  • Radxa Board (Rock Pi 5, etc.) for more powerful processing.

  • 4G/LTE USB modem or HAT for internet connectivity

  • Ardupilot or PX4 flight controller

  • DroneEngage account and Access Code from cloud.ardupilot.org

Optional:

  • Camera(s) connected to the Raspberry Pi

  • Xbox/PlayStation controller for remote piloting

  • Sony IMX500 RPI-AI for DroneEngage AI capabilities

  • Additional sensors or payloads (SDR, Light LEDS, Loud Speakers …etc.)


Note

DroneEngage is the Linux-based successor to Andruav, the Android companion app.