NTT Docomo: Inflatable drone

2021: Ultrasound-powered drone announcement

In mid-November 2021, the Japanese NTT Docomo introduced inflatable drones similar to airships that move using an ultrasonic engine system. The company has a much simpler idea, which is to get rid of the blades completely.

As more and more drones swarm the airspace, all these buzzing blades pose an increasing danger to humans, animals, objects and other drones. Many use sophisticated algorithms and sensors to avoid obstacles, others enclose drones in cages or develop them so that they freeze when hit. The new drone is a balloon filled with helium to keep it in the air, so it will just bounce comically off someone's head in the event of a collision with a person. The camera installed from below allows you to shoot photos and videos, and if the drone itself should be the star of the show, then it is equipped with multi-colored LEDs.

NTT Docomo inflatable drone

There are several other advantages to an unmanned airship. The device is much quieter, so there is no sound of the same name that spoils the video, and because it doesn't spend as much energy fighting gravity with rotating blades, flight time should increase significantly. True, the company does not specify specific technical characteristics for this parameter. The most intriguing moment is the ultrasonic motor system. On either side of the balloon are two small ultrasonic modules that produce tiny vibrations to disturb the air and push the balloon left, right, forward, back, up or down as needed.

The drone is controlled using the usual remote control. The model is capable of working without recharging for several hours absolutely silent, the device can also work as a spherical screen at concerts and events. In addition, a camera can be attached to it and used for video surveillance from above and another potential application is production control in large factories using RFID tags, a type of automatic identification of objects.

Balloon drones have been developed and used before, but some still use propellers, while others are kite and balloon hybrids designed for outdoor use. NTT Docomo claims the new unmanned aerial vehicle is ideal for use at events or commercial sites, indoors or outdoors.^[1]

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