At DroneBlocks, we are committed to providing innovative tools that empower educators and students alike.

With the launch of the DEXI drone, we promised a dynamic experience where you can build, code, and fly. Our course offerings continue to expand and evolve, taking learners through every stage and beyond. Here’s how DEXI is transforming drone education.

Build It – Solder-Free Assembly, Infinite Possibilities

The DEXI drone ( an official PX4 development kit ) was designed for accessibility and creativity. It features solder-free assembly, making it ideal for learners of all levels. Beyond the basics, our 3D Printing repository offers a growing array of accessories, enabling you to enhance and customize your DEXI continually.

• Modular Design and GPIO Access: Thanks to DEXI’s intuitive design and uninhibited GPIO pins, users can create and modify features for diverse tasks. This includes:
  • LED Control: Program visual feedback or illumination.
  • Servo Motor Management: Add moving components like camera gimbals or payload release mechanisms.

Ready to Get Hands-On? Our course, Sensor Wiring and Programming with ROS2 and Node-RED, led by Dennis Baldwin, guides you from hardware installation to software activation. You’ll learn how to:

• Mount and implement sensors, lasers, and actuators.
• Program and control components using Node-RED.
• Manage all your sensors, LED lights, and cameras through a Node-RED dashboard.

Our April Tag Fiducial Marker Detection with ROS2 course builds on this, teaching how to utilize April Tags mid-flight and digest real-time data via the Raspberry Pi camera.

A Classroom Drone That Leverages Artificial Intelligence

The DEXI drone gives students powerful AI capabilities, transforming it into a co-pilot for advanced learning experiences.

How It Works:

• High-Performance Processor: DEXI’s onboard module features a 64-bit Quad-core Cortex A72 processor. This engine supports complex algorithms and data processing required for sophisticated drone operations.
• OpenCV Integration: Real-time visual data processing with OpenCV and the Pi Camera empowers the DEXI to detect objects, track movements, and navigate environments without GPS. Examples include:
  • Deep Learning Models: Employ advanced machine learning to boost visual processing.
  • AI Tasks: Execute tasks using Computer Vision, making the DEXI a premiere AI STEM tool.

For more information on using computer vision in the classroom, check out our course featuring the Unitree Quadrupeds.

Ongoing STEM Innovation with DEXI

DEXI’s journey is just beginning, and there’s so much more to explore. We continually ask ourselves, “What can drones achieve in the classroom?” Stay updated by following our DroneBlocks YouTube channel for exclusive DEXI development videos, sneak peeks at upcoming courses, and innovative capabilities.

• Join Our Community: Be inspired by the creativity of the DroneBlocks community and share your innovations. Our DroneBlocks Virtual Competition Series welcomes fresh ideas and encourages students to push the limits of what DEXI can do. Register for the competition today and showcase your latest developments!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who can use the DEXI drone kit?
A: The DEXI drone kit is designed for learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced students, thanks to its solder-free assembly and flexible customization options.

Q: What programming languages are supported?
A: DroneBlocks courses cover Block programming, Python, and integration with platforms like ROS2 and Node-RED.

Q: How does the DEXI support AI applications?
A: The onboard Cortex A72 processor enables advanced data processing, while OpenCV integration allows for real-time object detection and other AI-driven tasks.

Ready to elevate your classroom’s STEM potential with DEXI?

Schedule a call today with one of our drone education specialists and see how you can bring the DroneBlocks DEXI to your classroom.