Tau.Neutrino said:
Top 10 drone innovations that caught our attention in 2022
The past year has been a big one for drones, both in terms of new models and new capabilities. Here’s a list of our picks for the latter, including clever uses of drones and interesting developments in the technology.
Wow, so where to even start? Among the highlights of our list are an aerial drone that deploys an underwater drone, drones that cooperate like bees to build foam structures, and a ground-going tank-like drone that doubles as a quadcopter.
more…
> Over the years, we’ve seen a number of drones that are designed to capture other drones. One of the latest, aptly named the Drone Interceptor, utilizes detachable net-pulling propellers to get the job done.
> In most delivery-by-drone systems, cargo has to be packed into system-specific containers, or must fit inside a designated onboard compartment. The new RDS2 setup, however, can transport almost any shape or size of parcel, weighing as much as 10 kg.
> In order to keep running at peak efficiency, solar panels regularly have to be cleaned of accumulated dust and other debris. Such panels can be difficult to reach, though, which is why the Helios system uses not one but two drones to do the job.
> The HUUVER combines aspects of the two in one vehicle, as it features both propellers and tank-like treads.
Looks interesting. Fly into the close vicinity then walk the rest of the way.
> using an aerial drone to transport and deploy an underwater drone.
Fly into the close vicinity then swim the rest of the way.
> Flapping-wing drones may be more agile and energy-efficient than their fixed-wing counterparts. A new model addresses that limitation by using a claw mechanism to perch in a bird-like fashion.
I once calculated that a flapping-wing drone can’t be as efficient as a helicopter. But because drones have four rotors rather than one, a drone is less efficient than a helicopter, so a flapping-wing drone can be more energy efficient.
> Crash-defying quadcopter lands on rooftops pitched at up to 60 degrees
> Bee-inspired technology uses aerial drones to 3D-print structures.
eg. electrical insulators for power lines?
> Florida’s “silent” flying dish-rack, powered by ionic propulsion, is on track for commercial rollout in 2024.
> Amphibious drone uses remora-inspired disc to hitch underwater rides
Mines for submarines.
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What’s the longest duration quadcopter these days?
According to https://www.jouav.com/blog/drone-with-longest-flight-time.html it’s an hour or more (for drones, doesn’t specify quadcopter).
According to https://filmora.wondershare.com/drones/drones-with-longest-flight-time.html it’s 30 minutes. And a couple with a claimed control range up to 7 km.
