Multi-rotor drones have become very common nowadays, but they make a lot of noise. Japanese firm NTT Docomo has launched a new type of drone that uses a round helium-filled balloon and an ultrasonic propulsion system.
Thanks to the ultrasonic propulsion, the blimp requires no propellers, and the helium-filled balloon keeps it in the air without needing any energy to stay aloft. It’s safe to assume that the NTT Docomo drone would have enough weight to stay in the air when the propulsion system stops. However, reaching that buoyant point could be a big challenge.
Eats up less power than traditional drones
Since there are no rotors and a balloon keeps the drone in the air, there would be no damage if it comes in contact with a person or an object. Another advantage of the drone’s design is that it doesn’t make any noise.
Moreover, the drone uses an ultrasonic propulsion system that requires less power than traditional motors and rotors, enabling it to stay in the air for a longer period and capture more photos and videos compared to other designs. Unfortunately, the company did not offer any information on the flight time of the drone.
The ultrasonic propulsion system packs a pair of small ultrasonic modules on each side that create vibrations. The vibrations interact with the air and push the drone in any direction. The design of the drone is ideal for several events, and while it appears to be lightweight, NTT Docomo says it can come in handy outdoors.
Pricing of the drone still undisclosed
However, winds might cause an issue in outdoor situations, as the drone is lightweight. The company says it will commercialize the design before March 2022. The pricing of the drone is still under wraps, but since it packs only a few moving parts, it shouldn’t be very expensive.
Besides, such a design can be scaled using a bigger-sized balloon to keep a camera or other equipment aloft. The prototype balloon packs a high-res camera and LED lights inside to make it glow. It will be interesting to see what design does the company plans to bring to the market.
