The Skydio R1 Uses Innovative Tech to Improve Autonomous Drones
Justin Lam — February 15, 2018 — Tech
The Skydio R1 is a autonomous drone whose sole purpose is to record the person it's following. While autonomous features exist in most commercially available drones, the Skydio R1 is taking the technology a step further with improved following capabilities. Designed and built by a team of former-MIT-engineers, the R1 relies on 13 cameras placed throughout the drone, as well as the same NVIDIA Jetson chip used in self driving cars. The drone is controlled through an app, but the device does not contain any manual control features. Users simply need to launch the drone, pick the filming target and watch as the drone follows all movements of the subject.
Rather than using GPS, the Skydio R1 relies on its cameras to generate navigational information in real time. The use of these cameras allows the drone to make quicker decisions and gives it indoor flight capabilities. The R1 may not have the highest speed of any drone -- coming in at a top speed of 20 mph -- but it is fast enough to keep up with runners and bikers, making the drone perfect for most outdoor activities.
Image Credit: Skydio
Rather than using GPS, the Skydio R1 relies on its cameras to generate navigational information in real time. The use of these cameras allows the drone to make quicker decisions and gives it indoor flight capabilities. The R1 may not have the highest speed of any drone -- coming in at a top speed of 20 mph -- but it is fast enough to keep up with runners and bikers, making the drone perfect for most outdoor activities.
Image Credit: Skydio
Trend Themes
1. Autonomous Filming Drones - The Skydio R1 showcases improved following capabilities for autonomous drones, opening up opportunities for enhanced videography and recording in various industries.
2. Real-time Navigational Information - The use of cameras to generate navigational information in real time by the Skydio R1 drone presents opportunities for more precise and agile flight control systems in industries like delivery services and surveillance.
3. Indoor Flight Capabilities - The Skydio R1 drone's ability to navigate indoors using its cameras creates disruptive innovation opportunities for industries involved in inspections, virtual tours, and filming in confined spaces.
Industry Implications
1. Videography and Recording - The innovative technology behind the Skydio R1 introduces new possibilities for autonomous drones in the videography and recording industry, enabling automated filming with improved tracking capabilities.
2. Delivery Services - The real-time navigational information and precise flight control system of the Skydio R1 drone can revolutionize the delivery services industry by introducing autonomous drones that can easily navigate urban environments.
3. Inspections and Surveillance - The indoor flight capabilities of the Skydio R1 drone allows for more efficient inspections and surveillance in industries like infrastructure maintenance and security, minimizing risks and enabling better coverage.
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