D.A.R.T. is an autonomous projectile-launching system that brings together mechanical design, materials engineering, computer vision and ballistic modelling. The project integrates a purpose-built launcher with a series of specially developed projectiles, progressively refined through seven design iterations to achieve improved structural resilience, shock absorption and flight control.

The launcher uses a single leadscrew drive capable of delivering 650 N of linear force, together with a symmetrical three-round revolver magazine designed for reliable loading. Its latest projectile, the V7 Darkstar, incorporates an interlocking carbon-fibre spine, a hybrid TPU and PEBA body for impact absorption, and high-torque servos that enable active correction during flight.

To enable autonomous operation, D.A.R.T. combines real-time computer-vision tracking with an integrated ballistic solver that accounts for aerodynamic drag and trajectory drop. The project demonstrates the integration of mechanical systems, advanced materials, computer vision and control algorithms into an end-to-end autonomous platform for detecting targets, calculating trajectories and controlling projectile launch and flight.

This project is part of NUS Calibur Robotics: https://nuscalibur.com/