The I Build Stuff team, led by engineer John Tse, has introduced an innovative autonomous flying umbrella that can follow its owner. This device is essentially a drone that uses a system of propellers and depth sensors to hover above a person, freeing their hands, according to media reports.
A key aspect ensuring the stability of the umbrella-drone's operation is the use of a ToF camera, which replaces traditional optics. Unlike regular cameras that can lose track of an object due to various visual interferences, the ToF sensor measures the time it takes for light to reflect off an object. This allows the device to accurately determine the distance to a person while ignoring potential visual obstacles, which is particularly important for controlling a heavy drone near the user's head.
The classic umbrella has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. However, when a person uses an umbrella, one of their hands is always occupied, which is inconvenient, especially when needing to use a smartphone or carry bags. John Tse decided to radically change this situation by transforming the familiar accessory into a high-tech quadcopter.
The umbrella's design features a lightweight yet sturdy frame made of carbon fiber and nylon using 3D printing. Four powerful propellers are mounted on folding supports hidden under the canopy fabric, allowing the device to be compact for transport and stable in flight.
Four propellers are attached using a special internal frame. I Build Stuff
One of the main challenges was evenly distributing the load: the central rod is the only rigid part of the umbrella, so the engineer needed to create a unique mounting system using loops and elastic elements to dampen vibrations. This approach allows the drone to maintain its classic shape and remain stable in the air even in strong winds. Work on the prototype took almost a year, during which the creator faced breakdowns and software failures, but ultimately, he managed to achieve stable results.
Smart Following System and Digital Vision
One of the main differences of this device from previous remote-controlled models is its complete autonomy. To enable the umbrella not just to fly but to follow a person, a complex navigation system was developed. Instead of traditional cameras or unreliable GPS signals, a ToF camera was used to scan the space with light pulses.
The camera allows the system to determine the person's position in 3D. I Build Stuff
This technology enables the device to create a three-dimensional map of the surrounding space and accurately determine the user's head position even in poor visibility conditions. The information is processed by a Raspberry Pi microcomputer, which sends commands to the flight controller.
“The goal of the project was not just to create a flying device, which I had done before, but to make it automatically follow a person,” noted the device's creator. As a result, the gadget can smoothly move behind the owner, keeping the canopy centered. Despite the complexity of the design, it can function even in heavy rain, turning a futuristic idea into a real product ready for testing in an urban environment.
During the project, the inventor created a short film that he posted on YouTube. It showcases the key stages of the work, which took almost a whole year.
