Spherical Unmanned Flying Vehicle Developed by Japanese Scientists

Research engineer Fumiyuki Sato of Japanese Defense Ministry's Technical Research and Development Institute in Tokyo has developed a fully functional spherical, beach ball like flying drone. The gadget which is jet black in color and not bigger than a basketball is capable of flying and is controlled by a remote controller. It is equipped with a video camera that captures everything in the spherical flying machine’s path. Researchers believe that such innovative UAVs are the future of search, rescue and surveillance missions. The awesome drone can fly through constricted passageways, can stall or hover over a single spot, bounce like a ball on the floor, glide and it even takes off and lands vertically.

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Structure of the sperical flying vehicle

The flying ball lifts off the ground and flies with the help of a single propeller. The propeller is surrounded by a protective spherical cover that has got aerodynamically made holes for air flow. The shield ensures that no damage is done when the sphere bounces off hard surfaces. This model is the 7^th prototype and the spherical shell with propeller and wings is more advanced than its previous versions. This small drone is capable of flying at a maximum speed of 60 kilometers (37 miles) per hour. The design is by no means perfect but constant research is going on to make the vehicle ready for tougher terrains, turbulent air flow, efficient braking, etc. In the future, this can be used for chasing or following hostile targets or even for spying in enemy occupied areas.

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Sato testing the prototype UAV

The design is very simple and effective. The various parts required for making this UAV are not very special but can be easily found in some robotics hobby shop, or on the internet or in stores in Tokyo's electronic nerds’ ideal market of Akihabara. The flying sphere measures little over 350 grams with a diameter of 42cm (16.8 inches). Sato thinks that the machine can be used for different peaceful missions once the Japanese scientists are able to develop the autopilot mode, all-weather tolerance, and better balance in turbulent conditions. Also, the aircraft needs to develop better controllability so that the controller can maneuver it easily. Geeks and Star Wars fans all over the globe are dying to see this sphere in action. Let’s hope that in the near future we will see such hi-tech aircrafts roam in the sky.

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