Artificial feathers give flight to robotic birds

Festo presents its new bionic project “BionicSwift”


Thanks to radio-based indoor GPS with ultra-wideband technology (UWB) the BionicSwifts can fly safely and in a coordinated pattern in a defined airspace. To execute these flight manoeuvres as true to life as possible, the wings are modelled on the plumage of real birds. The agility of the artificial birds is not just due to their lightweight design and aerodynamic kinematics, but also to the use of function integration.


The Festo Bionic Learning Network has a long tradition of being inspired by natural flight. The creation of the BionicSwift represents the next chapter for Festo in the development of bionic flying objects. As in its biological model, the use of lightweight structures is at the heart of the artificial bird. Because in both engineering and in nature, the less weight there is to move, the less material is required, and the less energy is consumed. That is why the BionicSwift weighs just 42 grams despite having a body length of 44.5 centimetres and a wingspan of 68 centimetres. This makes it extremely agile, nimble and capable of flying loops and making tight turns. By interacting with a radio-based indoor navigation system, the robotic birds are able to move autonomously in a coordinated pattern in a defined airspace.

Aerodynamic feathers

To be able to replicate natural flight as closely as possible, the wings of the BionicSwifts are modelled on bird feathers. The individual lamellae are made from an ultra-lightweight, flexible but very robust foam, and overlap each other. Connected to a carbon quill, they are attached to the actual hand and arm wings as in the natural model. The individual lamellae fan out during the wing upstroke, allowing air to flow through the wing. This means the birds require less power to propel the wing upwards. The lamellae then close during the downstroke to provide the flying robot with a more powerful flight. This close replication of bird wings gives the BionicSwift a better flight profile than previous beating wing drives.

Function integration in the tightest of spaces

The agility of the artificial bird is not just due to its lightweight design and aerodynamic kinematics, but also to the use of function integration. The bird’s body contains the compact construction for the wingflapping mechanism, the communication technology, the control components for wing flapping and the elevator, the tail. A brushless motor, two servo motors, the battery, the gear unit and various circuit boards are installed in the smallest of spaces. Through the intelligent interaction of the motors and mechanical systems, the frequency of the wing beats and the elevator for the various manoeuvres can be precisely adjusted.

GPS coordination of the flight manoeuvre

The coordinated and safe flight of the robotic birds is made possible by radio-based indoor GPS with ultra-wideband technology (UWB). Several radio modules are mounted in the space, forming fixed anchors that locate each other and define the controlled airspace. Each bird is equipped with a radio marker that sends signals to the bases, which can then locate the bird’s exact position and send the data collected to a central master computer, which functions as a navigation system. The system can use preprogrammed paths to plan and determine routes and flight paths for the birds. If the birds deviate from this flight path, for example due to a sudden change in ambient conditions such as wind or thermals, they immediate correct their flight path by intervening autonomously – without any human pilots. Radio-based communication means that position sensing is possible, even if there are obstacles and visual contact is partially lost. The use of UWB as radio technology guarantees safe and interference-free operation.

New inspiration for intralogistics

The intelligent networking of flight objects and GPS routing makes a 3D navigation system that could be used in the networked factory of the future. For example, by precisely locating the flow of materials and goods, process workflows can be improved and bottlenecks can be predicted. In addition, autonomous flying robots could be used for transporting materials, with their flight corridors a way of optimising the use of space within a factory.

About Festo:

Festo is a global player and an independent family-owned company with headquarters in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany. The company supplies pneumatic and electrical automation technology to 300,000 customers of factory and process automation in over 35 industries. The products and services are available in 176 countries. With about 21,000 employees in over 250 branch offices in 61 countries worldwide, Festo achieved a turnover of around €3.07 billion in 2019. Each year around 8% of this turnover is invested in research and development.

In this learning company, 1.5% of turnover is invested in basic and further training. Yet training services are not only provided for Festo’s own staff – Festo Didactic SE also supplies basic and further training programmes in the field of automation technology for customers, students and trainees.

VISTA Drone by Door Robotics Takes Flight on Kickstarter With a Fully Integrated 360-degree Camera

COLLEGE PARK, MD. (PRWEB) OCTOBER 21, 2020

Capture every angle from the sky with VISTA Drone, the first integrated 360-degree camera drone, from Door Robotics, which launched on Kickstarter today. Eliminating the need to jury-rig expensive cameras to gimbals and drones, VISTA Drone makes it easier than ever before to capture precise, beautiful, and captivating images from above.

No drone on the market today records 360-degree video without also capturing the drone itself in the frame. To create immersive content, aerial videographers and photographers have had to build unsafe custom rigs, attach third-party cameras or do extensive editing to capture high-quality footage. Not anymore.

VISTA Drone is the market’s first drone with a fully integrated 360-degree camera. It creates immersive aerial video without seeing the drone in every frame. In addition to its innovative design, the VISTA Drone also leverages autonomous navigation to learn, map, and adapt to any environment indoors or outdoors. Obstacle detection senses objects around the drone and keeps it from crashing during flight, letting the operator focus on getting the shot.

“I believe drone technology is the way of the future,” said Joshua Ermias, CEO of Door Robotics. “The VISTA Drone makes it significantly easier to create awe-inspiring, immersive content from every angle.”

According to Business Insider, the drone industry is expected to grow to more than $63 billion by 2025 with consumer drone shipments hitting 29 million next year. Enterprise and recreational-use drones are exploding in popularity as their uses become more widespread. From insurance to disaster relief, construction, journalism, and real estate, businesses are thirsting for ways to capture video and photographs of hard-to-reach locations or innovative viewpoints. The VISTA Drone offers what no other drone does: a 360-degree, “invisible drone” POV.

In addition to autonomous navigation, the VISTA Drone features a “follow me” intelligent flight mode that leverages GPS transmitter technology to turn the drone into a hands-free aerial camera crew. Object recognition detects small and large objects for premier pixel clarity. The VISTA Drone can take off and land on its own, creating a safer flying experience for any operator. If the battery should run low during flight, it will automatically begin to descend and return home.

The VISTA Drone’s 360-degree camera offers 8k resolution, a 78 Mbps bit rate, and captures 30 frames per second of video. Real-time video stitching is made possible with the camera’s two lenses—no more extensive editing to mend footage. VISTA Drone makes capturing 360-degree images and video automatic and precise.

VISTA Drone is available to pre-order at a significant discount starting at $899. Funds from the Kickstarter campaign will be used to manufacture the drones in America, and units will ship by April 2021. To pre-order, visit pr.go2.fund/doorrobotics.

About Door Robotics
Door Robotics believes drones are the future. Beginning in 2016, Door Robotics set out to improve the way people capture aerial video with drones. A grant from the University of Maryland’s Academy for Innovation and Entrepreneurship jumpstarted Door Robotics, and the team used that funding to create its alpha prototype. After tooling, software development, and testing, the VISTA Drone is ready for manufacturing. For more information, visit http://www.doorrobotics.com.

SqwaQ Wins AUVSI Xcellence Award for BVLOS Drone Communications Solution

DALLAS (PRWEB) OCTOBER 04, 2020

SqwaQ, a pioneering leader in air-to-ground (A2G) LTE connectivity that enables safe BVLOS drone flights, has been recognized by the AUVSI with a 2020 Xcellence Award for Technology & Innovation. Winners were selected from a pool of accomplished applicants across various categories.

“The AUVSI XCELLENCE Awards honor innovators with a demonstrated commitment to advancing autonomy, leading and promoting safe adoption of unmanned systems and developing programs that use these technologies to save lives and improve the human condition,” said Brian Wynne, president and CEO of AUVSI.

The SqwaQbox is the first carrier approved 4G/LTE modem for Airborne LTE Operations (ALO) that delivers robust, multi-redundant connectivity for safe BVLOS flights. The 270 gram device enables multiple cameras and sensors to stream video in real time with nationwide Command and Control (C2) of the aircraft. This provides the remote pilot with an in-the-cockpit experience that includes pilot view cameras, the capability to fly in controlled airspace, remote operation of ADSB or Mode-S transponders, voice communication to the remote air traffic control tower using aviation VHF radio, and more. The remote pilot can safely integrate with manned aircraft traffic and even take off or land at the world’s busiest airports. These capabilities, and more like it, are already patented by SqwaQ and part of a longer range roadmap that integrates unmanned traffic, rather than UTM segregation which is restrictive and not practical.

A major obstacle facing the UAS industry has been the ability to maintain command and control over long distances via a multi-redundant communication link that not only streams video and sensor data, but can pass muster with FAA safety requirements. SqwaQ understood this from the outset and manufactures the AS9100 Certified SqwaQbox to those aviation standards, with an eye toward additional FAA certifications that may become mandatory for all UASs the future.

Over the last ten years, the drone industry has been guided by robotics engineers and drone enthusiasts with little knowledge of FAA rules or FAR safety guidelines. This has led to challenging FAA authority over the airspace and ignoring aviation safety guidelines in hopes of allowing tens of thousands of flimsy drones to invade the safest airspace in the world. To the FAA this is a dangerous threat. SqwaQ technology is the missing component that resolves this conflict and integrates all connected aircraft in the sky, allowing safe integration of any properly built Remotely Piloted Aircraft.

Today in 2020, major aviation manufacturers are quietly designing their own Remotely Piloted Aircraft solutions with an eye toward full FAA type class certification and safety compliance. That’s not a Part 107 waiver or Part 135 exemption that restricts operations. It means passing a rigid safety certification like Boeing, Bell and Airbus routinely undertake with manned aircraft, to fly unfettered in the airspace and deliver value to customers that toy drones cannot achieve.

SqwaQ is engaged with many aviation manufacturing partners to lead the transformation to certified Remotely Piloted Aircraft. That RPA moniker will denote a real aircraft, flown freely across controlled airspace by a real pilot holding a conventional pilot certification and pedigree. SqwaQ anticipates that OEMs using its BVLOS technology may eliminate 75% of their competitors in the drone industry, as certified aircraft push out the flimsy toys being fobbed off, particularly in public safety.

2020 Commercial UAV Expo Americas to Take Place Virtually Next Week

UAS Solutions Providers and Thousands of End-Users will Gather Online Sep 15-17 for Expo and Conference Focused on Commercial Drones.

PORTLAND, MAINE (PRWEB) SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

With Commercial UAV Expo Americas slated for September 15-17, organizers of the event have announced that they are expecting the participation of thousands of UAS professionals from around the world. The 2020 edition of the event, originally scheduled to take place at Paris Las Vegas, will instead take place virtually due to ongoing health and safety concerns stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attendees represent industries such as construction, drone delivery, energy and utilities, forestry and agriculture, infrastructure and transportation, mining and aggregates, public safety and emergency services, security, surveying and mapping, and many more.

Commercial UAV Expo Americas Virtual will kick off on Tuesday, September 15 with Virtual “Outdoor” Flying Demonstrations open to all registrants. Leading UAS vendors will demo their drones and software in action, providing insight into their capabilities. Vendors participating in the demos include Iris Automation, Doosan, Sundance Media Group, Sabrewing Aircraft Company, Inc., and Autel Robotics. Following the demos are Emerging Technology Showcases in which UAS solution providers will present their newest technology.

The highly anticipated conference program, organized by conference planners with input from Commercial UAV Expo Americas’ Advisory Board, kicks off at 9:00 AM PT on Wednesday, September 16 with a keynote presentation from FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, the first of three highly anticipated keynote speakers. Mr. Dickson will share how over the past year the industry and the FAA have made substantial progress related to UAS. Immediately following Mr. Dickson, Scott Breor, Acting Deputy Assistant Director, CISA, will provide an update on threats in critical infrastructure, securing facilities, and resources available to the industry. The third keynote speaker, U.S. Chief Technology Officer Michael Kratsios, will provide an update from the White House on Thursday, September 17, preceding a keynote panel presentation from the UPS Flight Forward Team. The remainder of the 40+ hours of conference content is made up of various panels, plenaries, breakout sessions, and roundtables. The full agenda can be viewed here.

Returning to Commercial UAV Expo Americas is the ever-popular DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Summit which unites drone operators and program managers across law enforcement, fire rescue, and other emergency services for strategic discussions and workshops surrounding the evolving use of unmanned aircraft systems. This year’s digital environment will allow attendees from around the world to engage in targeted educational content to learn how first responders are using sUAS to save lives. Topics will include program development and management, training standards and certification, mutual assistance, and more.

In addition to the Virtual “Outdoor” Flying Demonstrations and Emerging Tech Showcases, leading solutions providers will showcase the latest UAS technology as part of the Virtual Exhibit Hall. Virtual Exhibit Hall hours will take place from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT on both Wednesday, September 16 and Thursday, September 17. Live interaction within the Virtual Exhibit Hall including one-on-one meetings with staff, product demonstrations, and much more will take place during “Power Hours.” Virtual Exhibit Hall “Power Hours” will take place from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM PT and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM PT on both Wednesday, September 16 and Thursday, September 17.

For the first time at Commercial UAV Americas, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Support Center will be available to attendees in the Virtual Exhibit Hall. The Support Center virtual booth serves as the FAA’s front door for people who are new to flying UAS, are looking for guidance on how to operate safely in various environments, want to learn more about waivers and authorizations, or just have questions about the role UAS play in the broader aviation community. The Support Center is a team of well-informed and professional aviation specialists who seek to help usher in the next generation of flight.

Drone professionals, including professionals from leading companies and government agencies from throughout the United States and 50+ countries, will attend Commercial UAV Expo Americas Virtual this year, drawn by the education, exhibits, and opportunity to connect with one another. Attendees and exhibitors will find it easy to make connections through the robust AI-powered networking tool Commercial UAV Expo Connect powered by Grip and sponsored by DroneUp.

REGISTRATION

A full conference pass costs $395 and includes full access to all the live and pre-recorded content from September 15-17 as well on-demand for 30 days following the event. An exhibit hall pass is free and includes access to Keynotes, Virtual Exhibits, AI-Powered Matchmaking, Virtual “Outdoor” Flying Demonstrations, Emerging Tech Showcases, and the Company Spotlight Gallery.

Registration will remain open throughout the expo and conference, but event organizers encourage professionals to register early to take advantage of everything the event has to offer. To register, please visit virtual.expouav.com/page/1554247/register?promo=209223.

About Commercial UAV Expo Americas

Commercial UAV Expo Americas, presented by Commercial UAV News, is the leading international trade show and conference in North America for the commercial drone market. Its sixth edition, September 15-17, 2020 will take place virtually. For more information, visit http://www.expouav.com.

Commercial UAV Expo Americas 2020 Shifts to Virtual Event in September – FAA Administrator Stephen M. Dickson to Keynote

PORTLAND, MAINE (PRWEB) JUNE 02, 2020

Commercial UAV Expo Americas 2020 is going virtual, according to event organizer Diversified Communications. “Due to ongoing health and safety concerns stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the commercial drone community we serve have made it clear that it would be impossible to hold the live event as originally planned. In the interests of ensuring our community still has an opportunity learn from and connect with each other, we have reimagined Commercial UAV Expo Americas as a fully virtual event taking place September 15-17, 2020,” said Lisa Murray, Group Director at Diversified Communications, organizer of Commercial UAV Expo Americas. These are the same dates the live event had been scheduled for in Las Vegas.

Details will be forthcoming, but the content will include keynotes, panel discussions, and presentations with interactive Q&A and chat features; an AI-powered networking component; virtual exhibits, and demonstrations by UAS solutions providers. “We have stayed in close contact with our customers over the last few months. A huge thank you to all of them. I cannot say enough about their support and collaboration with our team during this time. What is clear is that they want and need the business networking and education normally provided by our event, but travel bans and other restrictions were going to prevent them from attending. We decided to put a stake in the ground and make immediate plans to ensure the broadest participation possible by making the event virtual now. Where a virtual event may not have appealed to many just a few months ago, the world has changed. People are yearning for connections and education. We are excited to offer the key benefits they expect from us: critical, timely education delivered by industry leaders, opportunities to network and engage with peers, and the ability to learn about the newest technology in the space,” said Ms. Murray. She added that the content will naturally address how the industry has responded to the pandemic, as well as the associated opportunities and challenges.

FAA Administrator Stephen M. Dickson, an aviation professional with nearly 40 years of experience, will Keynote the virtual event. Dickson leads an agency responsible for the safety and efficiency of the largest aerospace system in the world. “We are thrilled that Administrator Dickson will be addressing the audience at such a critical time for the drone space,” said Ms. Murray.

Additional information about the event will be announced, but commercial drone solutions providers will have the opportunity to host virtual exhibits, conduct one-on-one meetings, provide product information, share videos and more—all virtually. “We are investing in a robust virtual platform that will deliver high value to companies already signed on for the in-person event. We expect going virtual will naturally attract new companies, further enhancing the array of products and services on offer and attracting new buyers who may not have attended a live event but are more than ready to attend virtually.” said Ms. Murray.

“So much has happened in the drone space since the last edition of Commercial UAV Expo Americas,” said Ms. Murray. “People need an update on the latest developments and the impact on their business. While restrictions on travel are in place, restrictions on business are not. We are dedicated to bringing major stakeholders together to continue to move the industry forward during a particularly important time for drone industry expansion.”

Return to a Live Event in 2021

In 2021, Commercial UAV Expo Americas will take place September 7-9, 2021 at the Mirage in Las Vegas,” said Ms. Murray. “We look forward to the opportunity to connect in person with our customers. In the meantime, we will be their virtual connection to the drone industry.”

About Commercial UAV Expo Americas

Commercial UAV Expo Americas, presented by Commercial UAV News, is the leading international trade show and conference in North America for the commercial drone market. Its sixth edition, September 15-17, 2020 will take place virtually. For more information, visit http://www.expouav.com/.

Drone racing manufacturer Lumenier becomes The Drone Racing League’s (DRL’s) Official Antenna Supplier for FPV

The Lumenier AXII 5.8GHz Video Antenna is specifically designed to perform extremely well under intense drone racing conditions. „The quality of the pilots video link is one of the most critical aspects of amateur and professional drone racing.” says Tim Nilson, President of Lumenier. “The AXII Antenna ensures a reliable video link at high speeds, with several pilots in the air, and in challenging RF environments.“

„Lumenier is one of the most respected gear designers in the drone racing market.“ said Nick Horbaczewski, DRL’s CEO. „We are thrilled to have them as a partner this season.“

Key Specs of the Lumenier AXII 5.8GHz Antenna (patent pending):

Gain: 1.6dbic
Axial ratio: 1.0 (near perfect)
Bandwidth: 5.5GHz-6.0GHz
Radiation Efficiency: 98%
SWR: <=1.5:1
Weight: 7.6g
Size: 70mm x 16mm
Cable: Semi-rigid RG402
Polarization: RHCP or LHCP
Connector: SMA or RP-SMA

Works great as both a transmitting or receiving antenna.
Compatible with other styles of 5.8GHz antennas.

About Lumenier
Lumenier is a high-end designer and manufacturer of top quality racing drone products – airframes, motors, batteries, propellers, electronics, antennas, accessories, and more. The company operates from its main headquarters in Sarasota, Florida with wholly owned manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and China. Leveraging their expert engineers in aeronautics, mechanical and electrical design, Lumenier has become known globally for its innovation and quality. For more info please visit http://www.lumenier.com or call 941-444-0021.

About DRL
DRL is the premier drone racing circuit for elite FPV pilots around the world. A technology, sports and media company, DRL combines world-class media and proprietary technology to create thrilling drone racing content with mass appeal. In 2017 DRL is hosting a global series of six races, the Allianz World Championship, to be broadcast on ESPN, Sky Sports, Prosieben and other leading broadcast channels around the world. Founded by Nicholas Horbaczewski in 2015, DRL is a privately held company headquartered in NYC.

Dobrindt: Klare Regeln für Betrieb von Drohnen

(lifePR) (Berlin, ) Der Betrieb von Drohnen wird neu geregelt. Bundesminister Dobrindt hat dazu heute dem Kabinett eine „Verordnung zur Regelung des Betriebs von unbemannten Fluggeräten“ vorgelegt. Anschließend erfolgt die Zuleitung an den Bundesrat.

Bundesverkehrsminister Dobrindt:

Drohnen bieten ein großes Potenzial – privat wie gewerblich. Immer mehr Menschen nutzen sie. Je mehr Drohnen aufsteigen, desto größer werden aber auch die Gefahren von Kollisionen, Abstürzen oder Unfällen. Für die Nutzung von Drohnen sind deshalb klare Regeln nötig. Um der Zukunftstechnologie Drohne Chancen zu eröffnen und gleichzeitig die Sicherheit im Luftraum deutlich zu erhöhen, habe ich eine Drohnenverordnung auf den Weg gebracht. Neben der Sicherheit verbessern wir damit auch den Schutz der Privatsphäre.

Wesentliche Regelungen der Verordnung: Kennzeichnungspflicht ab 0,25 kg, um im Schadensfall schnell den Halter feststellen zu können. Kenntnisnachweis ab 2 kg (außer auf Modellflugplätzen) durch eine vom Luftfahrt-Bundesamt anerkannte Prüfung oder Bescheinigung über eine Einweisung eines Luftsportvereins. Erlaubnispflicht ab 5 kg. Die Erlaubnis wird von den Landesluftfahrtbehörden erteilt. Betriebsverbot, z.B. außerhalb der Sichtweite oder in Flughöhen über 100 Metern (gilt nicht auf Modellfluggeländen), über Wohngrundstücken ab 0,25 kg oder wenn das Fluggerät optische, akustische oder Funksignale übertragen oder aufzuzeichnen kann.

Für gewerbliche Nutzer wird das aktuell bestehende generelle Betriebsverbot außerhalb der Sichtweite aufgehoben. Künftig ist der Betrieb außerhalb der Sichtweite genehmigungsfähig. Damit wird der Betrieb gewerblicher Drohnen erleichtert und es werden neue Geschäftsmodelle ermöglicht.

Weitere Informationen zu den Regelungen finden Sie unter www.bmvi.de/drohnen

Meet the Droneball, the world’s first collision-tolerant consumer drone

If you love using drones, then you know there’s nothing more irritating than steering slightly in the wrong direction, and watching your drone fly right into a wall and shatter into pieces. For all the money you put into them, shouldn’t they withstand more than that? Finally the perpetual fear of your drone being destroyed on day 1 through careless steering is a thing of the past.

We are proud to introduce The Droneball, created by iMaze Toys, the people behind Angry Birds and Air Terminators,  is the world’s first collision-tolerant drone, and its unique design allows it to simply bounce back from collisions that destroy others.

Innovative Design

Created to go the distance, the design of the Drone Ball begins with an exceptionally powerful quadcopter craft with a 6-axis gyroscope, adding a greater level of control compared to most drones on the market. But the big innovation is the cage the surrounds it. This cage, along with its multi-axis running ring track, allows the Droneball to simply bounce off walls and obstacles that wreck other drones.  With multi-axis maneuverability, the Droneball remains level inside the cage after a collision, removing the need to regain control and keeping you in the air for as long as you want. No matter where you are or what obstacles you’re navigating through, you don’t need to worry about the copter’s safety with Droneball.

 

Sharing Made Easy

Droneball brings you 5.8GHZ Transmission technology ultra strong signals are achieved with anti interference capabilities and long distance video image transfer. Droneball’s camera is not only capable of recording stunning 1080p HD video, it can also take high resolution photographs. This allows user to instantly share footage on their smartphones or tablets,  from high quality photography to aerial footage.  Even when beyond visual range,  you can still capture the scene!

 

 Highlights

  • 6-AXIS GYROSCOPE Paired with accelerometers delivers increased motion detection through lateral movement and rotation
  • MULTI-AXIS MANEUVERABILITY Droneball quadcopter is mounted so it remains level inside the cage after a collision
  • RESILIENT The sturdy cage keeps the quad from striking obstacles for less risk of broken parts
  • AGILE Its gyro stabilization and 4.5-channel radio allows it to effectively fly through tight spaces
  • REAL TIME HD DIGITAL VIDEO TRANSMISSION 5.8GHZ Transmission technology collects high quality photography and live 1080p HD aerial footage
  • FUTURE PROOF Camera can be upgraded and easily swapped out for future upgrades or repairs
  • ALL-IN-ONE FPV SOLUTION Compatible with most FPV glasses Droneball’s wide field of view camera is specifically designed for FPV flight.

The Droneball launched on January 3th on Indiegogo with a goal of $ 75,000 to fund the first wave of production.  In addition, iMaze Toys has partnered with Walkera Technology to bring this to market, and they have decades of experience developing and manufacturing quadcopters, FPV camera drones, racing drones and other UAVs for the consumer market, commercial users and governmental agencies. Early backers of the project receive the  Droneball for only $399, nearly half the price of the final retail version, alongside goodies like a rucksack for carrying and a red light pack.

Tanky Drone Introduces an Insanely Fast FPV Racing Quadcopter

Los Angeles, CA — October 25, 2016 — Tanky Drone, a start-up drone design company in Southern California today introduced Tanky, a first person view (FPV) racing drone — at just 460 grams all-up-weight, Tanky features a remotely tiltable camera for ease of landing, tough-as-nails impact-resistant injection molded plastics, sleek aesthetics, and an aerodynamic design. Tanky delivers incredible performance. It can reach speeds upwards of 100 mph with 2305 motors and 1.0Ah 4S battery, a combination that delivers an amazing power-to-weight ratio. With its streamlined aerodynamic shape and obstruction free thrust column, Tanky performs on par with any custom made competition-bred craft.

“Tanky is a new generation of ready-to-race fpv drones. It’s not a toy. It’s a true speed machine, just like a sports motorcycle or a Formula 1 racecar. We optimized it for speed, minimized the weight, without compromising on design,” said lead designer, Bogdan Ryabyshchuk.

“One of the problems with drone racing today is the limited selection of ready-to-race crafts. This means that if you want to get into the hobby and sport of drone racing you need to build it yourself. This process usually takes a few weeks, rewards the naturally mechanically inclined, and does not guarantee a fast craft. After building your craft, you also run into another problem—learning to pilot it. So what do you do if you don’t have time to build a fast racing drone, but want to get into the sport? We decided to eliminate this barrier.

With Tanky, you have the option to buy it ready-to-fly, so you can start learning how to pilot it right away and become a drone racer,” said Yuki To, co-designer of Tanky, “So anyone can enjoy the exploding hobby of FPV flying and racing.”

“FPV drone racing is an immersive experience, enabling you to experience flight, speed, and exhilaration, without compromising on personal safety. When you inevitably crash, Tanky’s major components are protected with tough as nails polycarbonate. A polycarbonate skin not only protects the vital components, but also hides unsightly wiring. If the plastics do break on harsh impact, they are easily replaceable. This gives you the added benefit of being able to switch up your plastics to a different color, for a different feel, and to upgrade your components to stay on the cutting edge of innovation.”

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1970204458/tanky-drone-insanely-fast-fpv-racing-quadcopter

CoDrone: The Drone That Anyone Can Learn to Program

San Diego, CA – On January 6th, Robolink, Inc. launched a Kickstarter campaign for the CoDrone, a drone that anyone can learn to program and fly.

Drone-lovers of all ages can program the CoDrone to follow people, engage in laser-tag battles, go bowling (with the drone as the bowling ball!), fly in customized patterns, follow waypoints, navigate mazes and more. Robolink is creating a series of step-by-step video tutorials to teach beginners how to code all of these basic tasks. But with the six different sensors (Onboard Camera, Gyro, Accelerometer, etc) in the CoDrone combined with the ability to easily program its behavior, the possibilities are endless.

Robolink developed the CoDrone to further their mission of inspiring kids and adults to explore coding, engineering and robotics. Hansol Hong, Robolink’s CEO, says, “Programming can be tedious to learn. But when a few minutes of coding can put a drone in the sky, programming brings a smile to everyone’s face!”

The Codrone kit will retail for $179, but will go for $139 during the Kickstarter campaign and as little as $119 for the first backers. The kit includes everything needed to build and fly the drone. To program the Codrone, all that is required is a computer.