Japanese researcher develops R/C spherical flying object thats flies @ 37 mph

A look at the flying object in above image may set one thinking that it is a miniature, alien spacecraft, like the ones – with lasers, dangerous blades attached to it – we have seen in movies. Not a destructive creation for sure, this temporarily named "Futuristic Circular Flying Object" is radio controlled black sphere that can roll over all kinds of debris without danger of crash landing to take video footage of the disaster sites.

Futuristic Circular Flying Object

The spherical video recorder is made from lightweight carbon and styrene components and weighs about 348 grams. Just about the size of a basketball, the flying gadget consists of 8 rudders, 16 spoilers and 3 gyro sensors that run on lithium batteries. The embedded camera inside the sphere forms the core of the device. It can hover around for approximately 8 minutes, and flies at a speed of 37 miles per hour with little noise. An on-board camera transmits live video footage back to the person controlling it.

Fumiyuki Sato, a researcher at the Japanese Defense Ministry's Technical Research and Development Institute, has built this flying object at a minimal price (less than $1400) using the products from a consumer electronic store. It can be very useful in taking video footage during natural calamities like tsunami and earthquakes, which are quiet common in Japan. The device can also help in monitoring terrorist groups.

Via: WonderHowTo