3D Robotics (3DR) unveiled Iris, an advanced quadcopter with full GPS-guided autonomous capabilities. Iris provides point-and-click mission planning with 127 configurable waypoints that can guide it from take-off to landing, all from a mobile device or computer.
Iris can be controlled by an Android tablet or phone (iOS coming soon) or through a nine-channel radio control transmitter. Takeoff and landing can be done with a single touch, and mission planning is as simple as tapping on a map and drawing a path that Iris will follow, says the company.
Iris sports a 32-bit autopilot system built on an ARM Cortex-M4 processor that runs a real-time operating system and uses ST Microelectronics sensors. Iris also features an integrated power-distribution/motor-control board to reduce weight and increase available payload capacity.
Ready-to-fly Iris packages are currently available for pre-order from 3D Robotics and will begin shipping September 16th. These pre-ordered vehicles are intended for developer-level users. A full consumer release of the product is expected to follow soon.
Prices start from $659.99, with options like Spektrum DX8 8CH Transmitter with AR8000/TM1000 (for an additional $429.99) or a GoPro Hero 3 camera.
[Image courtesy: 3D Robotics]