There are various drones on the market that are being developed to make it easy for just about anyone to pilot. But this new autonomous drone allows users to feel like they are up in the sky thanks to the bird's-eye view provided by its accompanying VR goggles.
The FlyBi drone is equipped with a built-in 12 MP camera that can record 1080p HD video at 60 fps. The drone has obstacle-avoidance sensors and propeller protectors that prevent the drone from crashing.
While this makes it easy for new pilots to use, FlyBi is the first autonomous drone that basically flies itself. It takes off and lands itself from the Helideck, which also serves with a carrying case and charging device. The Helideck holds two extra batteries and swaps them out for the user so they can enjoy unlimited flight time without having to worry about running low on battery life. If the signal is lost and the FlyBi does run out of power, it automatically returns home, swaps the battery and returns back to the location where it was filming. Users can also charge other devices while the drone is in-flight using the Helideck's two external USB ports.
To actually fly the drone, the pilot uses a wearable wrist remote control. The waterproof wearable comes with a 1.8-inch display with anti-glare glass so the pilot can see what the drone sees. The pilot controls the drone using the wearable's joystick. There are also dedicated buttons for takeoff, landing, and holding steady on a position.
Users can download the accompanying app that lets users set a flight path that the FlyBi will follow. When the mission ends, the drone will automatically return back home to the Helideck.
While the wearable allows for a hands-free flying experience, its accompanying virtual reality head-tracking goggles provide the pilot with a first-person flying experience. Video is live-streamed from the drone's camera to the VR goggles, which enable the user to experience a bird's-eye view. Sensors track the pilot's head movements so pilots can control the drone by simply moving their head. The FlyBi Goggles are limited to 55 degrees in each direction to prevent disorientation.
FlyBi also has software that allows the user to upload photos and video to the cloud and share them on social media.
When the pilot is done capturing their video and the drone returns back to the Helideck, the user can then store the FlyBi Drone and its accessories in the case.
The FlyBi drone and accessories, including the wearable remote controller and VR goggles, were introduced in an Indiegogo campaign by Tim Voss. As part of the early-bird special, the complete pack that includes the FlyBi Drone, one FlyBi Wrist RC, one pair of FlyBi Goggles, one Helideck and two extra batteries costs $1,459.
The FlyBi Drone and its accessories are expected to ship in April 2016. The Indiegogo campaign runs another 30 days and so far has earned $11,496 toward it's goal of $100,000.
Via: Indiegogo
