Prometheus is an open source software platform for autonomous drones that provides a complete solution for intelligent and autonomous flight.
The project addresses the need for mature, ready-to-use onboard computer software for drone developers by building on the PX4 open source flight control firmware and the ROS robot operating system. It integrates control, planning, and object detection capabilities, offering multiple functional demonstrations alongside simulation components. The platform aims to provide a simpler and faster development experience compared to building autonomous drone systems from scratch.
Prometheus suits developers and researchers working on drone autonomy who are already familiar with ROS and have basic knowledge of PX4 flight control concepts. The project is particularly valuable for those conducting research in control algorithms, path planning, and computer vision for drones, as it provides integrated examples and a structured codebase rather than requiring integration of disparate components. It is designed for developers with C language proficiency, though some modules include C++ and Python code. The README recommends that newcomers first study ROS tutorials before beginning with Prometheus.
The project maintains active community engagement through an official forum where the development team provides regular answers to questions, and operates a discussion group accessible through direct contact. The team conducts periodic live streams on video platforms for development support and answers. Documentation is provided through a dedicated wiki and usage manual, with additional advanced learning materials in preparation. The project also runs a campus sponsorship program that rewards students and researchers contributing new features, conducting testing, or publishing papers using Prometheus.
