David Changoluisa shares his journey from the IFRoS Master’s programme to his current role as Lead Robotics & UAS Engineer at Hexo Drone in Ecuador. He highlights how the program’s technical foundation enabled him to design advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and implement Digital Twins using ROS environments. David’s story demonstrates how IFRoS empowers graduates to lead innovation in strategic sectors like security, surveillance, and environmental monitoring through cutting-edge field robotics and specialized training. You can read his full story below.
“After completing the IFROS program, I decided to return to my home country, Ecuador, to contribute with the knowledge and skills I had acquired during the program. I began working as a researcher at the ATA Research Group (Aeronautics & Applied Thermofluids) at Escuela Politécnica Nacional, where I focused on the design and implementation of unmanned aerial vehicles, including fixed-wing and multirotor platforms for environmental monitoring activities.
During this time, I put into practice the hands-on knowledge gained at IFROS, successfully developing and deploying several custom-built designs, including a heavy-lift multirotor and a fixed-wing aircraft. Both systems operated on fully customizable open-source software platforms, complemented by Digital Twins in a ROS environment that enabled us to conduct testing, tuning, and development of auxiliary flight systems.
Following my research experience, I continued my career at Hexo Drone, one of Ecuador’s leading companies in the drone industry, where I currently work. In my current role as Lead Robotics & UAS Engineer, I develop technological solutions for strategic sectors in Ecuador, primarily focused on intelligence, security, and surveillance applications. Additionally, I serve as an instructor at Hexo Drone, providing specialized training in the use of UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems). I have even had the opportunity to train my country’s military, fire brigade, police force, as well as academic staff and professionals from various sectors in hands-on UAS operations!
IFROS has substantially contributed to developing the technical criteria that enable me to design, deliver, and execute solutions applicable at both academic and industrial levels.
Beyond my professional work, one of my passions has always been sharing knowledge. Today, I lead my personal brand, MasterDrone, a platform dedicated to UAS/Drone technology education and outreach, which currently has over 20,000 followers across social media platforms.
I will always be grateful to IFROS for the opportunities that have opened up as a result of being part of this program. My aspiration is to continue advancing field robotics technologies and applying them to benefit diverse industries .”