5 Fun DIY Drone Projects Using AprilTags

AprilTags aren’t just for industrial drones—they’re a game-changer for hobbyists, students, and makers too! These low-cost, high-precision markers can turn your drone into an autonomous robot capable of landing, navigating mazes, and even playing games.

In this blog, we’ll explore 5 fun and educational DIY projects you can build with AprilTags and a basic drone (like a DJI Tello, Ryze, or custom FPV quad). No advanced coding skills required!

Project 1: Automated Precision Landing Pad

Goal: Make your drone land perfectly on a target every time.

What You’ll Need:

• A drone with a camera (DJI Tello works great!)

• A printed AprilTag (at least 6"x6")

• Python + OpenCV (for detection)

How It Works:

1. Place the AprilTag on your landing pad.

2. Write a script to detect the tag and guide the drone to center itself.

3. Bonus: Add ultrasonic sensors to refine the landing.

Why It’s Cool:✔ No more missed landings!✔ Works indoors without GPS.

Project 2: Autonomous Maze Solver

Goal: Program your drone to navigate a maze using AprilTags as checkpoints.

What You’ll Need:

• A small drone (Tello or Crazyflie)

• Multiple AprilTags (placed at maze turns)

• A simple Python script for pathfinding

How It Works:

1. Place AprilTags at key decision points in the maze.

2. Program the drone to:

   • Detect a tag.

   • Follow a pre-set path (e.g., "If Tag 1, turn right").

3. Watch it autonomously escape!

Why It’s Cool:✔ Teaches basic autonomy & computer vision.✔ Great for STEM classrooms.

Project 3: Drone “Fetch” with AprilTags

Goal: Train your drone to find and hover over a marked object (like a robot dog fetching a ball).

What You’ll Need:

• A programmable drone (DJI SDK or Tello)

• An AprilTag on a movable object (e.g., a book, box)

How It Works:

1. Move the tag around a room.

2. The drone tracks it in real-time using OpenCV.

3. Bonus: Add a gripper to pick up objects!

Why It’s Cool:✔ Mimics real-world drone delivery systems.✔ Fun for pet tricks with drones!

Project 4: AprilTag “Simon Says” Drone Game

Goal: A voice-controlled game where your drone follows AprilTag commands.

What You’ll Need:

• A drone + AprilTags (numbered 1-4)

• A Raspberry Pi (for voice processing)

How It Works:

1. Place tags in different corners of a room.

2. Say: “Simon says go to Tag 3!”

3. The drone flies to the correct tag using vision.

Why It’s Cool:✔ Combines voice AI + drone navigation.✔ Perfect for hackathons or kids’ workshops.

Project 5: Swarm Drone Light Show (Beginner Version)

Goal: Sync two drones to perform simple formations using AprilTags.

What You’ll Need:

• 2+ programmable drones (Tello EDU works)

• AprilTags as position markers

How It Works:

1. Place tags on the ground as reference points.

2. Program drones to:

   • Detect their own tag.

   • Move in a pattern (e.g., circles, zigzags).

3. Bonus: Add LEDs for a night show!

Why It’s Cool:✔ Affordable alternative to Intel’s drone swarms.✔ Great for science fairs or maker faires.

Which Project Will You Try First?

These projects prove that AprilTags aren’t just for pros—they’re a powerful, low-cost tool for DIY drone enthusiasts. Whether you’re into robotics, education, or just fun experiments, AprilTags open up endless possibilities.

Got questions? Ask below, and happy flying! 🚁