INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
President Kenji Suzuki flies a prototype of the drone umbrella in Oyama, JapanOyama, Japan: An information technology company is developing
a drone-based "flying umbrella" that users do not have to hold
Essentially a small unmanned aircraft, the umbrella utilizes artificial intelligence to hover above users as they walk.The technology is the
work of Asahi Power Service Co., a company based in Oyama, Tochigi Prefecture, that develops telcommunication systems, among other services
The company is currently working on upgrades to a prototype while conducting indoor test flights, with the aim of putting the product into
practical use as early as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.Company President Kenji Suzuki, 40, proposed the project three years ago
after thinking it was "bothersome to open an umbrella when your hands are full."Under the Civil Aeronautics Law, drones must maintain a
distance of at least 30 meters from people or buildings in towns and other public venues
Therefore, the company expects the flying umbrella to initially be used in private environments.The company successfully flew a prototype
using mesh materials for the canopy, which enables wind generated by the drone's propeller to pass through the canopy and stabilize the
device in the air.Last summer, the company began development of a system that recognizes users and follows them overhead by installing an
AI-based camera in an umbrella.However, many challenges remain
The current prototype, which measures about 1.2 meters in diameter and weighs about five kilograms, can only fly for five minutes
Moreover, the prototype cannot automatically follow users unless they walk very slowly
It also can only be used as a parasol rather than a rain umbrella as it is made of mesh."Although there are some regulatory obstacles, we'll
proceed with development of the drone umbrella with hopes that one day, it'll be a common sight in city streets," Suzuki said.(Except for
the headline, this story has not been edited by TheIndianSubcontinent staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
