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Consequently, Dr. Lupashin created Fotokite as a potential solution to these problems.

New Development

The Fotokite was designed to be simple, cost-effective, safe, and user-friendly. Figure 3 shows the five major components of Fotokite.

The prop motors (1) are motorized propellers that regulate the direction of the unit. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor (2) control how Fotokite will maneuver in the air and regulate the power needed by the system. The camera and battery housing (3) holds the rechargeable battery and camera. The LIPO battery (4), a lithium-ion polymer battery, is a rechargeable battery of lithium-ion technology in a pouch format. GoPRO Camera (5) or other similar camera sizes are used to capture photos [1, 2, 3].

Figure 4: Leash parts [1]

Figure 3: Major components of Fotokite [1]

Figure 4 shows the components that make up the Fotokite leash. The leash reel is a roll of self-retracting tether which could extend up to eight meters long. The CPU and IMU sensor of the leash are used for flight control [1].

The Fotokite is designed to get a person’s bird’s-eye view as easy as possible. The following are Fotokite’s unique features which make it distinctive from other UAVs:

· No phone, joystick, GPS or piloting is needed

· Foldability and portability

· Lightweight (350g)

· Safe propellers

· Sturdy and waterproof

· Gesture flight control via smart leash

· Flexible camera angles

· Go-PRO compatibility and other similar camera size

· Exemption from flying permit

The Fotokite has some disadvantages:

· Limited flight features

· Inadequate tether length

· Short aerial flight time

· Vulnerable to strong wind

Operation

Follow these simple steps to operate a Fotokite:

1. Turn the unit ON via smart leash controller (See Figure 5).

Figure 5: Push ON button [1]

2. Point the controller to the direction of flight (See Figure 6).

Figure 6: Leash controller [1]

3. Give the Fotokite a twist in either direction by holding the

camera housing to activate flying (See Figure 7).

Figure 7: Fotokite activation [2]

4. Let go of the unit and maneuver to the desired direction (See

Figure 8).

Figure 8: Fotokite controlled

by the leash [1]

In his TED talk, Dr. Lupashin demonstrated to the public one of Fotokite’s unique features, multi-unit flying as shown in figure 9 [2]. The user of this UAV will alert any bystander an immediate visual feedback about who is responsible for Fotokite, making it a significantly friendlier device.