Drone Maker Launches a Crowdfunding Campaign for a Quadcopter on a Leash

Piloting an ordinary drone might look easy enough but it actually requires a bit of skill and know-how, especially since these small gadgets can easily cause accidents if they spin out of control. Fortunately, those of us who have no idea how to pilot a drone might still be able to control one without worries, as a drone maker named Fotokite has recently launched a crowdfunding Indiegogo campaign for a “drone on a leash.”

Dubbed Fotokite Phi, this drone does not rely on apps, GPS technology or a complex controller, as it can be steered using a retractable tether. The campaign hopes to raise $300,000, and the drone can be pre-ordered for $349. Also referred to as a “no-frills aerial camera”, the Phi can be equipped with a GoPro Hero3, Hero3+ or Hero4 camera, neither of which are included in the package. Fotokite plans to link the camera with the remote in order to allow the user to adjust it while the drone is mid-air.

The gadget weighs just 300 grams and can identify its user’s location by analyzing the tension exerted by the 26-foot long leash. The user can operate the drone in the air by moving his or her wrist, and in the event of a collision, one shouldn’t worry too much about injuries, as Phi is equipped with low-torque soft plastic blades with guards.This versatile little device can be folded up and stored in a portable canister.

Its only downside is that it can only stay up in the air for about 10 to 15 minutes, but it can always be charged quickly via USB. If you want to see the Fotokite Phi in action, just have a look at the video below.

Thank you TechSpot for providing us with this information.