Japan’s “Spherical Flying Machine”

I recently wrote a magazine article about civilian uses for unmanned aerial vehicles or “drones”. Here is an amazing machine which had not yet emerged at the time we went to print.

Developed for Japan’s Ministry of Defense, this miniature “spherical flying machine” can hover and fly in all directions. It is so light and small that it can operate indoors. Once airborne, it is stabilized by gyroscopes.

Best of all: it is made from commercially available parts, which cost about $1,400.

Potential uses: for inspecting and guarding the interior of buildings and facilities, and for law enforcement.