Drone configurator

A drone is a technically complex product with dozens of parameters, and a simple specifications table doesn't work as well as expected. Buyers want to understand the configuration, see what the required configuration looks like, and ensure the device meets their needs. An interactive configurator addresses this need even before the first contact with a manager.

AVADA MEDIA offers drone configurators – an interactive tool that allows you to customize your drone in real time via your browser.

Who needs a drone configurator?

For manufacturers and distributors of unmanned aerial vehicles, the configurator allows them to go beyond a static catalog and offer buyers a full product experience even at the selection stage. The interactive model replaces dozens of photographs and reduces the number of pre-purchase questions.

This tool allows online stores and marketplaces to retain user attention longer and convert that interest into a purchase. An engaged shopper who has customized the model themselves perceives it as their own and makes a more confident decision.

For corporate customers – companies purchasing drones for monitoring, delivery, or filming – the configurator helps them visually evaluate the model's configuration and specifications before negotiating with a manager.

For showrooms and exhibitions, interactive demonstrations replace physical stands: visitors can interact with a virtual model directly on the screen, without risking equipment.

What types of configurators are there?

A 2D configurator is a fast and technically undemanding solution. The user works with a flat image or diagram of the drone, selecting the color, configuration, and individual components, and immediately sees an updated image. This format is well suited for online stores where loading speed and a simple interface are important, as well as for catalogs with a large number of models.

The 3D configurator provides users with a fully visual interaction with the product. The model can be rotated, zoomed in, and viewed from any angle. Changes – color, components, and configuration – are applied in real time and immediately displayed on the 3D model. This solution is especially effective for technically complex products where the buyer needs to understand its design and proportions.

The combined 2D + 3D solution combines both approaches in a single interface. Users can select components and parameters in a convenient flat view, then switch to 3D mode to evaluate the result in volume. This format provides maximum flexibility: a clear interface for configuration and realistic visualization of the final solution.

Drone Configurator Features

Our demo shows a basic example of what such a configurator might look like. The real tool, however, offers a whole new level of capabilities. Below is how it might work in practice.

The user goes to the configurator and selects a drone model.

Next, customization begins. The user changes the camera, selects a different battery, and increases the range. And sees in real time how this affects the parameters:

• flight time – recalculated with each change
• Load capacity – taking into account the weight of the selected components
• cost – updated automatically based on the current price list
• Compatibility – the system warns if the selected components conflict with each other

This isn't a list of specifications. It's a living tool where the buyer can choose the desired configuration.

Visual examination of the product

Once configured, the user can proceed to interacting with the 3D model. He can

• rotate the drone
• zoom in on individual nodes
• Run the assembly animation – see how the blades fold and how the main modules are assembled.
• Run a flight simulation and see the drone in motion with the selected parameters.

For a technically complex product, this is essential: the buyer understands the device, rather than reading about it.

Comparison and transfer to manager

The user saves several assembly options and compares them side by side – by appearance, characteristics, and cost. Once a decision is made, the system generates a specification: a document with a visualization and a full list of parameters. The finished file is suitable for a manager, a tender, or a commercial proposal.

If a CRM is connected, the customer's entire selection history is saved automatically and available to the manager even before the first call.

Advanced Features

Depending on the customer's needs, the configurator may include additional functions, such as:

An intelligent assistant. It can select the optimal configuration based on the usage scenario, check the compatibility of selected components, and warn about conflicts.

Augmented reality mode. Users can point their smartphone camera at a real-world location and see the selected drone model in full size – without rendering or manually uploading photos.

Synchronization with the price list and warehouse. Prices and available options can be updated in real time – the configurator always reflects current inventory and prices.

Checking regulatory restrictions. The user can specify the region of operation, and the system will check whether the configuration requires registration, whether an operator license is required, and whether there are any restrictions on takeoff weight or camera type.

Real-time flight calculation. The configurator can calculate actual flight time, taking into account air temperature, wind load, and payload weight, rather than the rated value.

Task simulation. The user can set task parameters, such as field area, delivery route, and facility perimeter. The configurator will show how many flights will be required and what percentage of the area the camera will cover in one pass.

Cost of ownership calculation. In addition to the purchase price, the system can generate a maintenance forecast: engine life, battery charge cycles, and annual consumable costs.

Fleet mode for corporate customers. Users can specify the number of units and operating scenario; the configurator will suggest the optimal fleet composition and highlight redundancies and potential risks.

Export technical documentation. Once configured, the system can generate a ready-to-use package for tenders or technical approvals: specifications, regulatory compliance, and product data sheets.

Technical implementation

The drone configurator is being developed as a web app and runs in a browser without installing any additional software. We're also adapting it to mobile devices, so it works on smartphones and tablets.

For 2D formats, the Canvas API is used, or rendering is based on vector graphics or a set of prepared images. This ensures high loading speeds and stable operation on any device, including smartphones with slow connections.

For 3D formats, the Three.js library forms the basis for visualization, providing volumetric model rendering, realistic material rendering, and accurate lighting. Interface logic and parameter management are implemented in Vue.js, ensuring smooth interaction and instantaneous changes.

In the combined solution, both modes operate within a single interface: switching between 2D and 3D occurs without reloading the page or losing the selected parameters.

Development stages

Analytics and design. The configurator's structure is determined: drone types, available options, component combination logic, and usage scenarios. Designers develop the interface taking into account mobile devices and product specifics.

Model preparation. This is one of the most labor-intensive stages. A detailed drone model with detailed geometry, materials, and textures is created for the 3D configurator. Texture maps are prepared for each material – color maps, roughness maps, and normal maps – to ensure plastic looks like plastic and metal looks like metal, with the correct gloss and texture. Models can be developed by the team from scratch, provided by the client, or purchased from stock sites and further refined.

For the 2D configurator, a set of renders is prepared for each combination of configurable parameters.

Frontend and backend development are carried out in parallel. Frontend developers integrate models into the interface and configure interactivity. Backend developers build server logic: storing configurations, processing requests, and connecting to the catalog and external systems.

Administrative panel development. The client receives a tool for independently managing the model catalog, available options, and prices – without contacting the developers.

Integration. If necessary, the customer's customer management system, price list, or other systems can be connected.

Testing and optimization. The configurator is tested on various devices and browsers, and loading speed and model rendering quality are optimized.

Cost and development time

The final cost depends on the configurator format, the number of drone models, the depth of customization, and the required integrations.

Prices and deadlines are approximate – the final project parameters are determined after analyzing the customer’s technical specifications and catalog.

Developing a drone configurator for your product

Configurators for unmanned vehicles are one of our areas of expertise. If you need a tool that accurately reflects your product, operates reliably, and addresses specific sales challenges, tell us about your project. We'll suggest a suitable format, estimate the scope of work, and prepare a commercial proposal.