The drone is powered by Snappy Ubuntu Core

Feb 13, 2015 16:21 GMT  ·  By

Erle Robotics, a Spanish company that creates all sorts of Linux-powered robots, such as Erle-brain, an open hardware Linux kernel-based autopilot for drones, Erle-plane, a Linux-based plane, and Erle-rover, a Linux-based rover, has announced Erle-copter, the world’s first Ubuntu-powered drone, which can be used to capture amazing scenes (if you have a great camera).

Erle-copter’s flight time is around 20 minutes with a 5000 mAh battery, and the drone is built to support a payload of up to 2 kg. Please note that the payload will influence the flight time. It is powered by the ROS framework and Snappy Ubuntu Core.

The drone uses either of the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands to create its own Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing the user to connect to it with any device that supports that respective Wi-Fi specifications.

“We are delighted to reveal the Erle-Copter as the world’s first Ubuntu Core powered drone that will stay secure automatically and can be upgraded with additional capabilities from the app store. An open platform attracts innovators and experts to collaborate and compete, we are excited to lead the way with open drones for education, research and invention,” said Erle Robotics for Canonical.

Erle-copter pricing

As far as the price goes, you can buy the device in its simplest version, which won’t fly, for €399 ($455). To get an Erle-copter drone that flies, you will have to pay €494 ($564) - this version includes a 3000 mAh battery, a power module, and Wi-Fi - or €589 ($672) if you also want GPS and telemetry radio 433 MHz.

Visit the product’s website (link in the first paragraph) to purchase an Erle-copter drone today. Of course, you can customize it the way you want. Also, don’t hesitate to check out the video below for a quick demo, and take a look at the screenshots for more details.

The Erle-Copter drone (16 Images)

Erle-copter, the world's first Ubuntu drone
Erle-copter, the world's first Ubuntu droneErle-copter, the world's first Ubuntu drone
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