‘Drone’ in near-miss with Heathrow plane
The ‘intelligent nano drone’, which can be controlled using a smartphone or tablet using Wi-Fi, can be set to ‘automatically follow the user and capture photos from a fixed distance’ using its ‘follow me’ mode.
UK-based technology firm, Torquing Group, adds: ‘A multitude of sensors work seamlessly together to allow Zano to avoid obstacles, hold its position, and know exactly where it is in conjunction with a smart handheld device, at all times.’
The Zano drone is designed to make aerial photography and HD video ‘truly accessible to everyone’.
It features Lantronix xPico Wi-Fi. ‘The growth of personal drones is flying high with consumers as more and more people use these unmanned flying machines for a wide variety of purposes,’ said Lantronix president and CEO Kurt Busch.
The drone is directed by tilting the controlling mobile device to the right, left, forwards or backwards.
On-screen side bars can be used to control rotation and altitude, according to the manufacturer.
The Zano drone is powered by a removable, rechargeable, battery.
The launch was funded using crowdfunding website Kickstarter, which has raised more than £840,000, on a goal of £125,000.
CES takes place in Las Vegas from 6-9 January.
