14 DAY TRIAL // When you say “drone” these days, lots of people will conjure up in their brains images of government-operated killing machines prowling the skies in the search of victims.
But if you step out of that paranoia and look at things from a different perspective, drones could actually serve a lot of creative purposes.
And because every gadget these days is a smart one, Squadrone System has taken the opportunity to unveil an intelligent drone, which goes by the name of HEXO+.
The machine has been designed to follow a pre-determined subject around, filming and documenting their activities.
Aerial drones arrive with an immense set of benefits for those who like exploring things from atypical angles. For example, drones can be used to film a remote setting that is hard to be reached or for documenting actions from different points of view.
Even so, capturing action when it happens is not such an easy endeavor. For example, with traditional drones, you’ll still have to control the drone per se and the camera, something that puts a damper on things if you’re rock climbing or swimming in the ocean.
You might need to bring in some help, in the form of a cameraman, but we all know that finding the perfect partner when you’re trying to be creative isn't the easiest of tasks.
Well, Squadrone System wants to eliminate the need of you having to rely on anybody else.
The start-up is currently working on an autonomous drone camera, which, pretty much like Hal from “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “knows” what to film, when to film it and what the best angles for doing that are.
Like many smart devices, the HEXO+ will have to connect to your iOS or Android device in order to work. Furthermore, there’s a dedicated app that lets users make up the shot, providing the frame-work for the drone.
The HEXO+ has a built-in GPS system that works in concert with a position-tracking sensor that lets the drone know where it should locate itself and what to track.
For an extra amount of cash, the HEXO+ will arrive with a 2D gimbal, whose purpose is to stabilize the camera, so that the result image isn't a shaky one.
The HEXO+ can reach speeds of up to 70 kmph / 45 mph and is compatible with GoPro Hero cameras. The flying camera can capture subjects located at a distance of up to 50 m / 164 ft and its flight time is limited to 15 minutes.
The project has already raised its funding goal, so you can go ahead and pre-order your flying drone companion if you want to.