Why infected drone-dropped mosquitoes are actually a good thing

In a completely different kind of germ warfare, researchers have tested out a way to drop mosquitoes infected with disease-fighting bacteria over populations prone to outbreaks of dengue fever. It's an ingenious way to scale up a proven solution.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingWhy infected drone-dropped mosquitoes are actually a good thing

Record-setting drone utilizes ant-inspired smarts to make its way home

Tiny aerial drones have many potential uses, but their ability to navigate is severely limited by their minuscule amount of onboard processing power. Scientists have now set about addressing that limitation, taking a cue from foraging insects such as ants.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingRecord-setting drone utilizes ant-inspired smarts to make its way home

Curve-nosed UAV crashes into trees, then wraps its wings around to perch

Taking cues from geckos, EPFL researchers have developed an unmanned aerial vehicle with an upturned nose that crashes into vertical poles, and then wraps its wings around to perch. The PercHug could find use in inspection and surveillance tasks.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingCurve-nosed UAV crashes into trees, then wraps its wings around to perch

Seed-like ‘monocopter’ changes its wingspan for agility and efficiency

Multirotor drones may get all the glory, but fully rotating "monocopters" are much more energy-efficient. A new one distinguishes itself further, as it can squeeze through narrow spaces or drop like a falcon by reducing its wingspan while in flight.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingSeed-like ‘monocopter’ changes its wingspan for agility and efficiency

Responder drone gets eyes on emergencies – and can even take action

Wouldn't it be neat to see a drone using flashing lights and a siren to chase down crooks? Well, the Responder quadcopter comes equipped with both, along with other gear designed to help quicken response times when crimes or other emergencies occur.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingResponder drone gets eyes on emergencies – and can even take action

Mosquito-spreading drones could slash the spread of disease

If you're trying to disperse 300,000 disease-fighting mosquitos per day, using a drone may well be your best bet for doing so. The technology has already been tested in Brazil, where it showed very promising results.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingMosquito-spreading drones could slash the spread of disease

“Flying dragon” robot harnesses the “crazy hose” effect to fight fires

Japanese researchers have created and open-sourced a flying firefighting hose that levitates and steers itself to fight fires using its own water pressure as a two-part propulsion system, spraying water down onto fires and keeping operators safe.

Source of Article

Continue Reading“Flying dragon” robot harnesses the “crazy hose” effect to fight fires

Qysea’s modular FiFish E-GO comes apart for easier underwater droning

If you're buying an expensive underwater drone, you don't want to have to send it away every time an upgrade or repair is required. Qysea's new FiFish E-GO was designed with that consideration in mind, as it has a unique modular design.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingQysea’s modular FiFish E-GO comes apart for easier underwater droning

Unique 13-foot transforming drone nails moving target in Navy trials

Pterodynamics has taken its unique and fascinating Transwing drone out for sea trials with the US Navy, demonstrating its ability to land autonomously on a moving target. Its dihedral folding wings give it exceptional range and cargo capacity.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingUnique 13-foot transforming drone nails moving target in Navy trials

World’s largest quadcopter drone takes flight

University of Manchester engineers set themselves the task of building and flying the biggest quadcopter drone in history, and to keep things legal with aviation authorities, they made some interesting materials choices.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingWorld’s largest quadcopter drone takes flight