Author Topic: 3D Robotics Iris: Fully Autonomous, $729 (Read 1342 times)

MrBen · « **on:** August 22, 2013, 08:46:41 PM »

Post copied from RCG :

Looks interesting..

Today 3D Robotics (3DR) announced Iris — an advanced quadcopter with full GPS-guided autonomous capabilities. Iris is designed to provide an “out-of-the-box” flying experience that brings the power of professional grade aerial robotics to the mass market.

Iris can be controlled by an Android tablet or phone (iOS coming soon) or through a nine-channel radio control transmitter (included). With a mobile app, 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.

3DR’s newest quadcopter is designed with a wide angle between the front arms to provide a clear view for its onboard camera, an optional GoPro Hero3 ® that can also be included in the package. The arms and legs are produced from Zytel Nylon ® for the ultimate in wear, abrasion and impact resistance. They come in various colors, and are easily and inexpensively replaced if required.

Iris sports a high-performance 32-bit autopilot system built on an ARM Cortex-M4 processor that runs a real-time operating system and uses the latest ST Microelectronics sensors. The flight code represents over four years of professional development and testing in a community of over 40,000 users. Iris also features an integrated power-distribution/motor-control board to reduce weight and increase available payload capacity. All of Iris’s electronics are housed under a sleek shell that provides impact protection and aerodynamic efficiency.

Iris includes an impressive list of features that are unequaled at the price point:

Multiple control options provide redundancy and flexibility: RC, computer, phone, tablet

Built-in data radio for real-time mission monitoring, data-logging, and control

Powerful cross-platform ground station/mission planning and analysis software that runs on Windows, OS X and Linux, providing simple point-and-click programming and configuration

Mobile apps allow intuitive “draw a path” mission-planning

Camera options include a live video link with programmable on-screen-display, and will soon support a fully integrated stabilized camera gimbal with autopilot control

GoPro® compatible camera mount

Available with a 9-channel RC transmitter pre-programmed for the most popular flight modes.

Pre-programmed GPS waypoints allow for professional-grade mission capabilities, such as mapping, scripted cinematography, scientific research, and other applications where repeatable flight plans are required

Auto takeoff and landing along with Return-To-Launchpoint command at the press of a button or under programmable failsafe conditions

Follow Me function for the ultimate “selfies”. In this mode, Iris will follow (at an adjustable distance) any ground station device equipped with a GPS antenna and one of our 3DR telemetry/control radios

Geo Fencing provides a virtual box to keep your drone within a user-selectable space

Open source flight code, ground station software and electronics are all freely distributed under standard open source licenses. This means that Iris’ capabilities are always improving and expanding with a simple firmware update!

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 who are familiar and comfortable with operating multi-rotor vehicles from 3D Robotics. A full consumer release of the product will follow shortly thereafter.

Developers editions available here https://store.3drobotics.com/product...aign=3dr-irirs

brodjackella · « **Reply #1 on:** August 22, 2013, 10:33:14 PM »

impressive techno. but its the flying that's the fun with RC..

chrisallen649 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 23, 2013, 10:37:19 AM »

Looking at it the build quality looks equal to those cheep quads hobbyking sell with a case over the body, for the money you would expect almost qav quality. Wonder how it flys though. Personally that eflite quad looks better priced.

Dusty · « **Reply #3 on:** August 23, 2013, 01:21:24 PM »

This is actually a really good price point for what this this promises to be capable of.

OK, so suited to FPVers it may not be, but there are many FPV specific quads on the market to choose from. I too like the look of the e-flite quad, promises to be a contender to the DJI Phantom.

No-Dachi · « **Reply #4 on:** August 23, 2013, 07:26:23 PM »

When you click on "read more" the red text shows:

Quote

"These pre-ordered Iris vehicles are intended for developers and experienced operators who wish to participate in the development of this exciting product. While these vehicles will arrive fully operational and ready to fly out of the box, users should be prepared for small firmware updates and other minor enhancements in the field. Users of this product will be invited to participate in a stand-alone discussion group regarding the product, and will receive advanced support through our community."

So I would have to pay for the thing and then I have to help wright the firmware. What the hell?!? I say they need to do the R&D and get back to us.