AV News: The Drobotron

Those of us who fly drones know that as soon as that thing takes off, people notice. They even take pictures of it! Should come as no surprise that with all the attention drones are garnering, advertisers are taking to the skies. Meet Drobotron, the Flying Billboard Drone that is taking digital content to the skies. The Drobotron is a 30 pound drone featuring a 360 video screen that can display text, emojis, photos, and even video. Its the first of its kind. It has a bright screen that can be seen from all angles. Those who have their 107 license (or 333 exemption) can buy the Drobotron as a total package. Or you can hire the Drobotron team to fly and display your message at your next event. "So we sell a package, the whole thing; ready to fly with batteries and everything. The aircraft itself comes in travel cases. It includes our custom screens, the software required to flash your information to the screens. The only thing you would need is an iPad or an iPhone or Android device to run the DJI Go system." The Drobotron has an integrated DJI flight contoller and uses the DJI Go app just like the Phantom and Inspire drones. Everything is powered by 2 batteries that give you an average flight time of 10 minutes. Drobotron is a subsidiary of US Drobotics, an IP company focused on Autonomy and Safety. Together, the two brands hope to shape the landscape on airborne digital content. "In general we’re a technology co, and we’ve identified 28 patents that have to do with drone and autonomy. And the main goal of US Drobotics is to allow multiple drones to fly safety - like incredible levels of safety past what there currently is right now. As a member of US Drobotics, when I thought of the idea for Drobotron, I thought it would be a natural fit." With the help of US Drobotics, the Drobotron team hopes to have flying digital content at theme parks, concerts, and outdoor events. But how will they stay within FAA regulations? "With Drobotron we have the double edge sword where we need to be close enough for people to see it, but we want to be far enough that it’s safe. And US rules as it states we just cannot fly over anybody and we must be 400ft or below, and we must be under 55 pounds. We meet all those criteria every time we fly. At the end of the day it’s up to the operator for them to adhere to safety standards. But we’re going to obviously make sure that they have their 107 and that they know how to fly properly and probably do some sort of online training" If you’re interested in buying your own Drobotron, or want to hire the Drobotron Team to fly at your next big event, go to Drobotron.com. At AirVūz News, I’m Kendall Mark.