Building on a proven track record in the field of industrial drones, PowerVision is taking pre-orders for its first consumer drone—the PowerEgg. Rather than a traditional X-shape 4-axis design, the PowerEgg is egg-shaped. Slightly larger than a football, the PowerEgg features white polymer body panels and something we’ve yet to see in consumer UAVs—retractable legs and rotors.
Radical design aside, one of the project goals was to produce a UAV that anybody can fly, right out of the box. One of the design highlights of the PowerEgg is a one-handed remote that enables the user to control the flight patterns of the PowerEgg using hand gestures. Advanced integrated accelerometers and gyroscopes allow the user to control up-down, left-right, and near-far movements by simply waving one’s hand.
A traditional two-handed remote control is also included for those who prefer flying drones the old-fashioned way.
Visually, the PowerEgg is a showstopper. After liftoff, the legs automatically retract into the body, leaving an unobscured 360-degree viewing field for the PowerEgg’s integrated 4K UHD camera. To insure smooth camera movements, the PowerEgg features a 3-axis gimbal. When not in use, all four rotors and legs retract flush into the unit’s egg-shaped body.
Other noteworthy features found on the PowerEgg include real-time video transmission of up to 3 miles (5km), 23 minutes of flight time, and a Vision Positioning System that enables indoor and low-to-the-ground flying in GPS-free zones.
PowerEgg’s flight software includes multiple flight modes, including Follow Me, Orbit, and Selfie, which allow the user to frame shots on the fly easily. PowerVision’s PowerEgg weighs 4.6 lb (including battery and props), and has a maximum ascent/descent speed of 5 m/s ascending, 2 m/s descending (Professional mode).
Video capture options include UHD (3840 x 2160 30p), FHD (1920 x 1080 30/60/120p), and
HD (1280 x 720 60/120/240p). Stills can be captured at 4254 x 3264.
Included with each unit is a PowerEgg aircraft body, a PowerEgg Maestro Remote Control, a 2-Handed Remote, a PowerEgg battery, Charger, and Base Station.
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