The Dronut X1: A Donut Inspired Drone

Posted on 24/11/2021 by hite

I was just thinking the other day somebody should combine a donut and a drone, and apparently Boston-based Cleo Robotics was already on the case, developing the $9,800 Dronut X1 – the world’s first bi-rotor ducted drone that can operate in much tighter spaces than traditional drones. Now I can see where this is headed, but there’s no way I’m letting my doctor fly one of these inside me for a colonoscopy. He already misses my knee half the time just checking my reflexes!

The Dronut X1 was designed with military and police applications in mind, has a 1km range, and weighs only 15-ounces with an onboard 4K camera and streaming capabilities. It navigates around its environment “via 3D LiDAR (light detection and ranging), which utilizes beams of light that hit an object or a surface and reflect back to the laser scanner to create a 3D visualization of its environment.” Me? I navigate around my environment with my hands stretched out like a mummy hoping I don’t stub a toe on the way to the fridge for a midnight snack.

The Dronut’s ducted design means no exposed rotors, and no exposed rotors mean it can’t hit anything with those rotors, making it ideal for flying in environments where you don’t want things shredded by a traditional quadrocopter’s spinning blades. I swear, if I had a nickel for every time I’ve stuck my hand in a ceiling fan putting a shirt on in the morning, I might actually be able to afford a $9,800 Dronut.

[via PetaPixel]

Guy Takes Flight on His Giant Drone

Posted on 20/06/2017 by Conner Flynn

Check out this video from amazingdiyprojects as he takes his homemade multi-rotor copter out for its first manned test flights. Yes, it looks like a death trap. He is just sitting there surrounded by dozens of angry, spinning rotors.

He admits that he should be wearing some protection, but he explains:

Regarding wearing MC suit and full face helmet etc. This project is about obtaining the precious feeling of freedom. 10 min at a time LOL… I know, but still… so wearing a fortress would be counterproductive. I have tried to build in safety in the structure itself, so that I can feel FREE. Goggles and ear protection or headphones is a must. All other clothing is OPTIONAL. I’m flying in an unpopulated area, so I just might try flying nude. I promise to NOT make a video documenting that flight… LOL!

It is a 25 minute long video, so after the first flight skip to 15:30 for the second flight, and some first-person point of view footage at 22:30. While it looks quite dangerous, it still looks like a lot of fun.

[via The Awesomer via Geekologie]

Pretty Flight For A Flight Guy

Posted on 18/02/2014 by Radhika Seth

The Aerial filming and observation mini helicopter systems have ushered in an era of filming spectacular and dynamic visuals at an affordable budget. Also employed in risky operations such as inspection of high voltage electric lines and surveillance, they greatly help to minimize human casualties. However filming with the mini helicopters does come with some constraints. For one, it requires a skilled team of at least two persons working in tandem. While one controls the flying machine, the other helms the camera. This mandatory synchronization requirement results in added effort and expense for achieving the perfect shot.

The Quadrocopter BZ-4 is a mini copter that has been designed to bring down the complications and cost involved in such operations. The unpiloted hang-glider’s automated flight control and planning system eliminates the need for a copter operator and the subsequent human errors, thereby leaving the focus only on the camera work on a pre-configured flight path.

The Hang-glider helicopter’s futuristic, streamlined design language reflects its innovative appeal and efficiency. The legs that houses the copter rotors are collapsible to form a tight unit, there by resulting in a footprint so small that it can be safely carried in a backpack. The attention to such fine practical details makes this video copter a unique and attractive proposition in a crowded market. Quadrocopter BZ-4 seems like the stuff Superman takes his selfies with.

Designer: Simona Gluskeviciute

Guest Post by Akhil T.

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(Pretty Flight For A Flight Guy was originally posted on Yanko Design)

Robotic quadrotors’ training now complete, proven with razzle-dazzle Cannes show (video)

Posted on 27/06/2012 by Steve Dent

We've watched our potential quad-mech overlords from KMel Robotics evolve from agile solo acrobats to worker bees to deft synchronized performers. It seemed only a matter of time before they would hunt down Sarah Connor en masse -- or take the show-biz world by storm. Fortunately for us, the tricky flyers chose to embrace their flamboyant side at a tour-de-force 16-quad lightshow in Cannes, where they opened the Saatchi & Saatchi New Directors' Showcase. The soaring automatons pulled all their past tricks out of the bag, flying precisely with mirrors to bounce lights from below, all timed to dramatic music --which they also had a hand in controlling. The sparkly treat awaits right after the break.

Continue reading Robotic quadrotors' training now complete, proven with razzle-dazzle Cannes show (video)

Robotic quadrotors' training now complete, proven with razzle-dazzle Cannes show (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 09:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony helps you ‘personalize’ your Xperia further, announces case maker partnerships

Posted on 18/05/2012 by Joe Pollicino

Despite there being so many smartphones nowadays, finding cases for certain handsets can be tricky -- unless you're toting the likes of an iPhone or the latest Android flagship device, that is. Keeping that in mind, Sony has good news for Xperia owners, as it's officially announced a partnership program to bring more case options for its phones to market. According to Sony, 10 companies are currently onboard, including the likes of Case-Mate and Incipio, and some will be announcing what'll be on offer before the month's out. There's no word regarding designs or prices just yet, but here's hoping that Case-Mate brings its cuddly Creature cases into the fray -- especially the Waddler.

Sony helps you 'personalize' your Xperia further, announces case maker partnerships originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 04:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DJI multi-rotor aircraft with Ruling live video feed controller hands-on (video)

Posted on 16/04/2012 by Zach Honig

Well that's a mouthful. Shenzhen-based DJI Innovations was on hand at NAB today to demonstrate its new hex-rotor aircraft, designed to provide photographers (and videographers) with a low-cost tool for capturing aerial images. The vehicle we saw today, coined Spreading Wings S800 (its rotors retract for storage) is a fairly straightforward multi-rotor aircraft, save for a couple pretty slick enhancements. Even more impressive, however, was DJI's Ruling, a "ground control terminal" that enables you to adjust not only aircraft direction and elevation, but also the camera position, complete with a live video feed as captured by a Sony NEX-5N mounted on a multi-axis camera gimbal. The camera mount is designed to maintain a stable image regardless of the craft's position -- once it's fixed on a subject, it will adjust to retain the pre-selected angle.

The Ruling controller is very much still a prototype, with a yet-unpolished military green plastic housing and a built-in LCD. There's also dual joysticks -- one on the left to adjust the camera platform, and a second on the right to control the aircraft itself, letting you climb, descend and turn in every which way with a flick. The duo was very responsive during a brief demonstration, making calculated movements with what looked to be precise accuracy. The video feed was interrupted slightly by the multitude of wireless connections littering the Las Vegas Convention Center airwaves, but reps were still able to verify framing and adjust position -- the aircraft itself never faltered, with a maximum range of 10 kilometers (5km for the video feed, in ideal conditions). The Spreading Wings S800 is available for pre-order now and is expected to ship next month for roughly $8,500. That clever live video controller will cost you another pretty penny, however, with an estimated $5,000 price tag and a TBD ship date. You'll want to take a closer look in the video after the break.

Gallery: DJI multi-rotor aircraft with Ruling live video feed controller hands-on