Here’s my hot take for 2025, technology that cannot be upgraded is genuinely consumer-unfriendly. Framework proved it was possible by designing a sleek laptop that featured totally upgradable components – most gaming PCs are entirely upgradable too – so why not phones? Why not tablets? And why not drones?

Drones are devices that you probably buy once or twice in your lifetime. Nobody buys a new drone every 2 years – they use the one they have for as long as possible before upgrading (that’s only if they need to upgrade)… which really means you’re stuck with backward tech for a fairly long time. To combat this, Ethan White designed the ARK – a modular drone with an architecture that features removable and upgradable components. Need a new battery? Swap it out. Want a better camera lens? Substitute the older one for a newer model.

Designer: Ethan White

“Traditional drones require complete hardware changes or airframe redesigns to perform different roles. The ARK, however, offers an integrated solution with the simple act of swapping module pack,” says Ethan. Although the drone references Noah’s Ark, it quite literally represents the metaphor of the ‘Ship of Theseus’ – a thought experiment revolving around a ship that remains constant, with its parts gradually replaced over time.

The way the ARK is designed balances purposeful bulkiness with aerodynamics. Sure, laptops can be sleek for cosmetic reasons – but drones need to shed every single ounce they can for efficiency – a heavy or bulky drone can’t fly as well as a lithe, aerodynamic one – so making a drone that’s easy to disassemble, modular, and upgradable presents a unique challenge.

Components can’t be interwoven with each other inside a single outer body. The battery needs to exist independent of the PCB. The motors, sensors, cameras, every element has to be positioned very thoughtfully, so that they can be individually removed and replaced.

To that end, the ARK has a remarkable design, featuring components that interlock together when in use, and separate when you need to perform a swap. All this while still making sure you’ve got a drone that’s portable, foldable, and aerodynamic. The modularity also means you can purpose-build your drone based on your needs. Want something for entertainment, choose a basic package. Want a multimedia beast, upgrade your camera. Want to record at night, swap the daytime camera for a module that supports night vision. Want better range, add better antennas on top. You can build your drone with precise intent, just like you would your PC.

The drone features upgradable PCBs, cameras, propellers/motors, battery packs, and even other components like anti-collision sensors. Although conceptual, Ethan is working on a proof-of-concept and states that he’s aiming for IP43 water and dust resistance, along with a 30-minute flight-time. That might sound dull on paper, but I’d choose 30 minutes of flight with an absolutely incredible camera lens and sensor over 50-60 minutes with a fairly basic lens array. Plus, things will only get better with time – and as a consumer, you directly benefit from it.

The post If Framework Designed A Drone: Meet the Modular Drone Concept with Fully Upgradable Components first appeared on Yanko Design.

NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter was a groundbreaking piece of equipment that was able to be the first human-made object to fly to a different planet back in 2021. And while it crashed in January of this year, it was still able to make 72 flights in under three years. Now that it’s not functioning anymore, NASA is looking at building the next object that will give us a peek into another planet.

Designer: NASA

They have unveiled the early design renderings of the Mars Chopper, their proposed follow-up to the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter. It’s a huge leap from the original as this one is the size of an SUV with six rotor blades to help it fly across the planet. It will be able to carry up to 11 pounds of science payloads across 1.9 miles per Mars day.

The initial renders show the three-legged drone gliding over the supposed landscape of Mars. Since Ingenuity was much smaller, this will hopefully be able to surpass its achievements and give us an even better view and understanding of Mars. It should be able to help scientists in studying Martian terrain and at a faster rate.

While it’s still in its “early conceptual and design stages”, there is already anticipation in how the Chopper can give us a glimpse into the previously inaccessible areas. It’s not clear though if it will actually be sent to Mars.

The post NASA unveils first look at SUV-sized Mars Chopper concept first appeared on Yanko Design.

Your phone has a pretty phenomenal camera, but unless it’s an absolute flagship device, it probably won’t record 8K video. And it for sure won’t fly around in the air taking dramatic shots of you while you pose on the top of a mountain or dirt bike on a rocky trail or dive into a lake. You’ll probably need a selfie drone for that, but before you go spending hundreds of dollars on a drone that’s fragile, expensive, and comes with a massive learning curve involving controllers and joysticks, the folks at HOVERAir might have built the perfect consumer-grade pro drone, or as they call it – a flying action camera. Designed to be foldable, small enough to fit in your pocket, and durable enough to withstand any rookie accidents The HOVERAir X1 PROMAX still packs a state-of-the-art flying system and an 8K camera capable of outshining any other drone its size. It works on voice commands (but also comes with an optional Wi-Fi 6-enabled Beacon), takes off from your palm, reaches speeds of up to 60 km/h (37.2 mph), can capture slow-motion videos at 120fps, and even works in sub-zero temperatures just in case you want to film yourself skiing or snowboarding. The best part, the X1 PRO’s $499 starting price, along with its compact size which makes it compliant with FAA guidelines so anyone can use one.

Designer: HOVERAir

Click Here to Buy Now: $499. Hurry, only 30 left! Raised over $4.6 million.

You may remember HOVERAir from years ago when they first debuted their folding selfie-drone cameras. More than 8 years later, the company’s still sticking to its wildly popular and innovative folding drone template, but has managed to outfit its device with some very impressive tech. Available in two variants – the X1 PRO and the X1 PROMAX, these flying action cameras are capable of recording at 4K and 8K respectively. Both devices weigh under the FAA-regulated 250-gram limit, hit speeds of 42 km/h (26mph) with bursts of up to 60 km/h (37.2mph), shoot slow-mo, take photos, and also capture vertical videos for social media. The X1 PROMAX just packs a slightly better camera system that has a marginally higher FoV at 107° (compared to the X1 PRO’s 104° FoV), and uses vision-based sensors for rear active collision detection. Think of the X1 PRO as the perfect hands-free drone for filming sports, landscapes, and your dance reels, while the X1 PROMAX just being a notch higher for serious professionals and content creators who also want great photography capabilities in their drone. No controllers, no learning curve, no fuss.

The X1 PRO and PROMAX’s design remains their strongest selling point. The flying action camera opens and closes like a book, with a camera and battery system in the ‘spine’, while the four propellers sit on either side, enclosed within a flexible, durable cage-like structure made from cutting-edge HEM materials to protect them from damage during transit or flight. To use the selfie drone, open it up and you’re ready to hit the skies. The X1 PRO and PROMAX operate on voice commands, but for more expert and intuitive tracking, HOVERAir designed a hardware Beacon that packs controls, tracking sensors, and a screen for viewing your flying action camera’s PoV. There’s no traditional remote, although the Beacon transforms into one using a series of modules like a Joystick for motion control and haptic feedback, or even the ability to snap on your smartphone to give you a true RC experience with a drone’s PoV preview. In short, the drone will fly on its own and play cinematographer to all your stunts, but if you want to get behind the ‘wheel’, it’s more than happy to relinquish control. However, if you’re looking to have your flying action camera perform a set of standard flight paths, the X1 PRO and PROMAX’s automated flight modes let you choose from in-built settings like Hover, Zoom Out, Bird’s Eye, and Orbit that capture dynamic cinematic moments, or Follow, Side Follow, and Dolly Track which are better suited for action shots. HOVERAir also plans to add more modes through OTA updates.

Of course, all of this ease of use wouldn’t matter much without an impressive camera. Fortunately, the HOVERAir X1 PRO delivers on that front too. Its 17mm wide-angle lens offers a generous 104° field of view, letting you capture expansive vistas and unique angles that would be impossible from the ground. The X1 PRO can shoot in 1080p at 120 frames per second, making it perfect for those stunning slow-motion shots. Want to take things even further? Enter the X1 PROMAX, which ups the ante with 8K resolution, 4K@120fps slow-motion, and a 107° FoV, giving you the tools to create breathtaking cinematic footage. The PROMAX model also introduces an extra vision-based sensor for rear active collision detection, adding an additional layer of protection when you’re flying in tight or unpredictable spaces – ideal for those moments when you’re pushing boundaries (and maybe your luck).

The PRO and PROMAX both have a two-axis gimbal with EIS (electronic image stabilization) and HL (horizon leveling), so your footage will be rock steady even when the adventure is rough.

When it comes to camera drones, stability is everything. No one wants shaky footage from a breezy afternoon at the beach or during a fast-paced tracking shot through a forest trail. The HOVERAir X1 PRO and PROMAX rise to the challenge with built-in video stabilization that they call SmoothCapture 2.0. A two-axis gimbal with EIS (electronic image stabilization) and HL (horizon leveling) kicks in while the drone’s in flight, allowing you to focus on capturing the scene rather than compensating for jitters. For more accurate honing in on your subject, you’ve got the HoverAir Beacon, a nifty add-on that clips onto your handlebar while you’re riding, allowing you to quickly see the flying action camera’s PoV while also giving it a target it can track. This companion device unlocks live previews and expanded control options, transforming your flying experience into something closer to autonomous filmmaking. The Beacon uses HoverLink Technology for ultra-precise tracking, so you can leave the steering to the X1 PRO or PROMAX and focus on getting the shot.

Once you’ve filmed your shot, Wi-Fi 6 integration ensures your aerial masterpiece doesn’t stay stuck in the device’s memory. Quick file transfers mean you can start editing almost immediately after landing. Plus, the selfie drone’s long-range video transmission of up to 1 km (with the Beacon) lets you explore and shoot from afar, capturing wide-open landscapes or large events without sacrificing video quality. It’s the kind of feature that makes you feel like the director of your own blockbuster.

Beyond the camera and flight smarts, the Hover X1 PRO is built to be a winning combination of portable and durable. The foldable design doesn’t affect the drone’s ability to fly with great dexterity, and even with those collision-prevention mechanisms in place, the X1 PRO and PROMAX can dust off mild bumps and accidents thanks to a flexible, shock-absorbing propeller cage. And then there’s the thrill of taking this thing off-road—literally. The X1 Pro’s Omni terrain capability makes it versatile enough to fly over lakes, through snowy forests, or along cliff edges with ease. It adds a whole new layer of adventure to your flights. The control system adapts right along with it, allowing you to turn the Hover Beacon into a one-handed joystick or opt for the more traditional two-handed smartphone setup. Either way, it adjusts to how you want to fly and where you’re flying.

You can either fold the device and carry it around in your pocket when not in use, but HOVERAir also makes a slick leather carrying case to haul your compact aerial camera around wherever you go. However, if you’re looking for an upgrade, HOVERAir’s even designed a PowerCase, which both houses your flying action camera and even supplements it with up to two additional battery charges. Designed specifically for use in extreme cold weather, the PowerCase works at temperatures even as low as -4°F (-20°C) to keep your device charged and ready for flight. Of course, flying your drone in sub-zero temperatures is yet another challenge, which is why HOVERAir even sells a special ‘Thermo Battery’ that you can fit into either the X1 PRO or X1 PROMAX, giving it an operating temperature range of -4°F to 113°F.

Both the HOVERAir X1 PRO and PROMAX come with built-in 64GB storage, upgradable up to 1TB thanks to an SD card slot located on the flying action camera’s body. The X1 PRO and PROMAX run in conjunction with the HOVERAir X1 app, which allows you to configure flight modes, download and share content, launch manual control, and even install firmware updates on your flying action camera. The app offers a transmission range of 500m, while the Beacon bumps it up to an entire kilometer. You can grab the X1 PRO and PROMAX either as standalone devices, or opt for cycling or skiing combos that include the leather carrying case, PowerCase, Thermo Battery, the Beacon, or the modular accessories that turn the Beacon into a joystick. The X1 PRO and PROMAX have already begun shipping as of end-September with a 12-month warranty, and the batteries get a 12-month warranty too (applicable up to 100 cycles).

Click Here to Buy Now: $499. Hurry, only 30 left! Raised over $4.6 million.

The post HOVERAir: World’s First 8K Flying Action Camera fits in your pocket and operates without a remote first appeared on Yanko Design.

Some see them as annoyances and others consider them as privacy and security risks. That said, flying drones, just like their quadruped terrestrial counterparts, will inevitably be a part of our near future. That does mean there will be more mass-produced drones, more than what we already have today, and the materials used to make them aren’t always accessible or sustainable. But just as plastic is being replaced in other design industries, there’s also an opportunity to test other materials that are just as suitable for these flying robots. One experiment does exactly that, and it chooses a rather unexpected option that’s much loved in the design industry: wood.

Designer: Deepak Dadheech

Wood is not something you’d immediately associate with electronics, let alone robotics, but it is finding its way to more appliances and gadgets. In those cases, the material is prized for its sustainability and aesthetics, the latter of which isn’t exactly a priority among unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs like drones. That said, not all wood is created equal, and one particular type could very well be suitable for the demands of a drone.

Bamboo, in particular, is known for being lightweight yet also durable, especially when it comes to its tensile strength. Unlike hardwood, which could splinter and break on impact, bamboo can absorb a bit more strength. It’s also in high supply or easily renewable, unlike other trees that take a longer time to mature. Because of these properties, it could make for a good substitute for both plastic and carbon fiber, as the Bamboo hexacopter drone demonstrates.

Of course, the whole drone isn’t made of bamboo. In addition to the circuitry and brushless motors, the propellers are still made from plastic. Only the main frame, legs, and arms use bamboo, which is the largest use of plastic or carbon fiber in drones anyway. For only around $12 worth of bamboo, you can have a drone that weighs only 350g, half that of typical plastic builds.

The question, however, is whether such a strategy will actually be effective or if it will have too many compromises for the sake of sustainability. The Bamboo Drone does fly indeed and it can, in theory, carry light payloads like tools, emergency supplies, or scientific instruments. How it will fair against strong winds and light rain has yet to be tested, and that will really determine how suitable bamboo will be for a fleet of drones.

The post Bamboo drone explores a more sustainable way to fly and deliver things first appeared on Yanko Design.

Earlier this year, Dutch Drone Gods, in partnership with Red Bull, unveiled the World’s Fastest Drone that went head-to-head with Max Verstappen behind the wheel of an F1 car. With a top speed of 350km/h, that drone held the title for barely a few months before YouTuber Luke Maximo Bell decided to challenge it.

Taking on the entire design and R&D team of Red Bull Racing, Bell managed to 3D-print a drone that was nearly 50% faster, hitting high speeds of 500km/h (310mph) and setting a new record, verified by the team at Guinness Book of World Records. The video above captures Bell’s entire journey, from prototype to building to tuning, and finally FPV footage of the world’s fastest drone. To think that one YouTuber with a BambuLabs printer managed to outpace a drone built out of carbon fiber by the elites at Red Bull Racing known for manufacturing the world’s leading F1 cars…

Designer: Luke Maximo Bell

Bell’s design process was a reiteration of one of his older drones named Peregreen, which could hit speeds of up to 400km/h. If you look at the shape of the drone you’ll quickly realise how even Red Bull and DDG opted for a similar format. The drone isn’t your average quadcopter or even FPV racer. Instead, it has a missile-style design with propellers at the bottom that give it an eVTOL style ability to vertically take off, tilt forward to race ahead, and then land vertically too.

The backbone of Peregreen 2’s success lies in its meticulous design and the use of high-quality materials. The frame, constructed from carbon fiber, was chosen for its exceptional strength and wide availability. Custom frames were precision-cut using a CNC machine at Flying Robot in Cape Town. Despite initial setbacks with incorrect mounting hole dimensions, which required manual adjustments, the final product was a high-precision, robust frame capable of withstanding the rigors of high-speed flight. Building on data from the original Peregreen, Bell and his father (who helped build the original Peregreen) selected larger motors, propellers, and batteries. However, this brought a new set of challenges. The initial batteries overheated, reaching temperatures above 130°C, leading to failures. Additionally, the motor wires were not thick enough, causing them to overheat and even catch fire during bench tests. After extensive testing and adjustments, the team switched to thicker wires and sourced new batteries that maintained a stable temperature below 80°C. These changes were crucial in ensuring the drone could operate at high speeds without the risk of overheating or component failure.

A cheap reliable way to test aerodynamics, simply hold it outside a car’s window!

Aerodynamics played a pivotal role in the drone’s performance. Initial designs faced stability issues at high speeds, necessitating extensive experimentation with tail lengths and fin sizes. The goal was to achieve a stable flight profile with a low drag coefficient. By creating and testing various models (often by simply 3D printing them and holding them out of a car window at high speeds), the team eventually found a configuration that provided the necessary stability. This iterative process of refinement led to a design that not only looked sleek but also performed exceptionally well in high-speed conditions. The final aerodynamic model was a testament to the team’s dedication to optimizing every aspect of the drone’s performance.

Once a drone’s built, its performance needs to be tuned by programming all its components to work in sync so that there isn’t a malfunction in the sky. Despite several initial failures during test flights, the team sought the expertise of Chris Raser, a renowned FPV drone specialist. His insights and detailed tuning guides were instrumental in resolving stability issues and fine-tuning the drone’s flight characteristics. This collaborative approach underscored the importance of seeking specialized knowledge and continuously learning from each phase of the project. The resulting improvements were significant, allowing the drone to perform high-speed maneuvers with precision and reliability.

The testing phase was rigorous and demanding, marked by numerous iterations and rebuilds. The drone was 3D printed using the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon printer, which proved to be an excellent tool for creating precise and durable components. Through a series of high-speed runs, the Peregreen 2 eventually achieved speeds of 500 km/h, a milestone that underscored the success of the design and engineering efforts. This achievement was officially recognized by Guinness, solidifying the team’s place in the record books.

Beyond setting a world record, the Peregreen 2 project also focused on capturing stunning cinematic footage. By incorporating a new open canopy for the camera (shown below), the team was able to obtain clear, distortion-free shots. The Insta360 Go 3 camera, known for its small size and lightweight, was integral in capturing high-speed footage. The drone’s performance in endurance tests was equally impressive, managing a flight of 7.5 km at an average speed of 180 km/h. These accomplishments highlight the drone’s versatility and potential for various applications.

The post Record-breaking Drone hit 510km/h speeds, dethroning Red Bull for the World’s Fastest Drone first appeared on Yanko Design.