Flying Car News, March 24
Walmart Patents Autonomous Robot Bees
This week’s top Flying Car News: Walmart patents autonomous robot bees, an origami drone arm, Nasa considering using a drone on Mars, a heavy duty turbine-cleaning flying robot, and more!
Flying cars will be a significant part of the future of transportation. Recent advancements in drone technology, electric VTOL aircraft, and autonomous systems have paved the way for an aerial transportation revolution. We created the Udacity Flying Car News Series, to ensure you stay up-to-date on all the latest Flying Car and Autonomous Aircraft stories!
Walmart Patents Autonomous Robot Bees
Walmart has applied for six patents related to new drone technology for applications in agriculture in a bid to compete with Amazon for dominance of the grocery market.
“In one application, Walmart seeks to patent a system that would use drones to identify crop-damaging pests and then dispense insecticides on the critters. Another suggests the use of drones carrying pollen dispensers to successfully pollinate crops.”
Origami Drone Arm
Scientists from Seoul National University in South Korea have developed a folding robotic arm that drones can use to pick up objects in small openings.
“In the future, this robotic arm could help scientists collect samples from crevices or inspect chimneys, pipes, and other narrow spaces.”
Nasa Considering Using A Drone on Mars
Engineers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory have created an autonomous helicopter that is being considered to launch with the Mars Rover in 2020.
“NASA managers say the helicopter could give scientists better views of rough terrain, where it is unsafe to send a rover. The drone could also scout a rover’s planned drive path for obstacles.”
Heavy Duty Turbine-Cleaning Flying Robot
Y Combinator startup Aerones is developing heavy duty drones with 28 motors and 16 batteries which can carry up to 400 pounds, and which will be used for industrial applications from cleaning turbines and buildings to surveying wildlife and performing construction inspections.
“We have lots of interest and letters of intent in Texas, Spain, Turkey, and South America for wind turbine cleaning. And in places like Canada, the Nordic and Europe, for de-icing. If the weather is close to freezing, ice builds up, and they have to stop the turbine.” —CEO Janis Putrams
Amazon Patents Drone Delivery Airbags
Amazon has received a patent for airbags, which will be used to protect packages that are dropped from heights of 5 to 25 feet by delivery drones.
“An ‘airlift package protection airbag’ system that will be filled right before the drop with a gas-canister or with the downwash of the propellers, will protect your package and its contents.”
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