Cleo Dronut X1 is the bi-rotor drone you control with your smartphone and a joystick. This little fellow is first of its kind and while small, it is seriously rugged and useful. Don’t let its adorable looks fool you: it might look like one, but it’s definitely not a donut.
Cleo Robotics: About The Maker
Specializing in unconventional robotic systems, including small drones that can collect data in dangerous areas, Cleo Robotics is leading the field when it comes to robotic innovation. The Boston-based company is on a mission to make robotic systems suitable for use in GPS-denied and cramped spaces ubiquitous in order to eliminate manned entry into hazardous environments and confined spaces. In essence, they design unconventional robots that can inspect various dangerous environments so that we (i.e. humans) don’t have to.
Cleo Dronut X1 Specs: About The Flying Donut, I Mean Dronut
This flying robot might look adorable but it is also hard-working and crazy useful.
Wi-Fi-controlled via a handheld joystick (which is included with the drone), the Dronut can fly up to 13 feet per second and has a 12-minute flight time. It’s also equipped with:
- A 4K camera
- A 3D LiDAR sensor
- Global shutter camera for extra-precise positioning
- LED lights for low-light conditions
Unlike the ordinary quadcopter drones you are used to seeing, this novel creation has no exposed rotors. The Dronut’s rotors work via counter-rotating propellers and they are actually enclosed in the device. This unique feature enables the Dronut to safely fly very close to people or objects and not risk suffering or causing damage. Furthermore, the drone uses a patented thrust vectoring technology which gives it the ability to maneuver without crashing into anything. This makes it perfect for industrial use, especially in cramped and confined spaces like air ducts or oil pipelines.
The Buy
The Cleo drone comes with one battery pack and a handheld joystick controller. The price tag on this baby is $9,800.00, so you know it’s not a toy. Honestly, the most expensive donut ever, but given its awesome specs, it seems well worth the price.
Learn more at Cleorobotics.com.
