At CES 2016, Parrot wowed crowds with the introduction of the 'Disco Drone,' a consumer-targeted device that rivals ones used by professionals. Typically, fixed-wing drones are utilized by environmental agencies and surveillance companies, but the Disco Drone has adapted this concept, abandoning typical quadcopter designs.
To take flight, simply toss the drone in the air, and watch as it weaves like a high-powered airplane. The Disco Drone can fly for 45 minutes, reaching speeds of 80km per hour, which is rather swift for a commercial device. Additionally, it features a 14 megapixel camera with 3-axis stabilization. Impressively, when in the air, the Disco can stream back images to a set of virtual reality glasses, creating an immersive, real-time experience for users. The intuitive device also boasts an auto return-home function and automatic landing capabilities.
High-Speed Drones
Parrot's Consumer-Targeted 'Disco Drone' Flies High at CES 2016
Trend Themes
1. Fixed-wing Drones - Adapting fixed-wing drone technology to consumer devices offers disruptive innovation opportunities in industries such as surveillance, environmental agencies, and recreational drone use.
2. High-speed Consumer Drones - The emergence of high-speed consumer drones like the Disco Drone presents opportunities for disruption in the drone market and industries such as aerial photography, videography, and real estate.
3. Immersive Drone Experiences - Creating immersive, real-time experiences with drones through features like virtual reality glasses opens up disruptive innovation opportunities in industries such as entertainment, tourism, and live events.
Industry Implications
1. Surveillance - The development of high-speed, fixed-wing consumer drones has the potential to disrupt the surveillance industry by offering more advanced capabilities and increased speed and efficiency for aerial monitoring.
2. Aerial Photography - The introduction of consumer drones like the Disco Drone with high-speed capabilities and advanced cameras disrupts the aerial photography industry by providing professionals with more accessible and maneuverable tools for capturing stunning visuals.
3. Virtual Reality - The integration of drones and virtual reality glasses creates new opportunities for the entertainment industry to deliver immersive, real-time experiences, such as live concerts and sports events, from unique angles and perspectives.