LAPIS Semiconductor, a subsidiary of Japanese electronics manufacturing company ROHM Semiconductor, is looking to reverse the bad reputation of drones in Japan with the unveiling of the Orizuru, a drone disguised as a paper origami crane.
Lately, there have been several issues with drones in Japan, giving the technology a bad reputation in the Asian country. Back in April, a man landed a drone on top of Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe's home, with the unmanned aerial vehicle having cargo of radioactive sand. In July, drones were banned from being flown in the areas surrounding the political center of Japan and the Imperial Palace.
The Orizuru was developed to offer the Japanese a more pleasant and natural way to utilize drone technology, with a packaging that is close to the country's heart.
LAPIS unveiled the Orizuru at Tokyo's Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies trade show. The origami-drone is powered by the Lazurite Fly, a microcomputer designed by the company that is said to be 90 percent more energy efficient compared to competitors such as Arduino. The size of the Lazurite Fly is also very small, similar to that of SD cards.
The Orizuru was developed alongside Tyoukogata Hikoutai Lab, a company specializing in miniature aircraft, in an attempt to replicate the realistic movements of flying birds.
The remote-operated Orizuru possesses a 3D-printed skeleton of nylon filament, where layers of paper are added to provide its bird-like form. The origami-drone weighs only 31 grams, equivalent to 1 ounce, including the sensors and batteries. Its length is 70 centimeters, or 27.5 inches.
The initial design of the Orizuru took three months before it was unveiled. ROHM is looking to conduct future collaborations with startups and venture companies for further application of the Lazurite Fly on other products.
While there has been no indication if the origami-drone will be sold in the consumer market, it was revealed that the design of the Orizuru will soon be revealed to the public. This would give origami and drone enthusiasts alike an opportunity to create their own versions of the Orizuru.
