Many people debate which body shape is the best for a robot, and the issue is even more contentious when it comes to flying robots. For a start, flying is very energy-intensive, and many commercially-available drones can only manage 20 minutes of flight time on battery power.
Driving on wheels is more energy-efficient than flying is, but this means that the robot is restricted to the ground, rather than having the ability to go wherever flight would allow it to.
This conundrum is about to be put to rest, however, thanks to a company called Advanced Tactics. Their Panther drone combines driving and flying ability into one highly capable drone package.
What’s more is that this drone isn’t just some novelty thing – it can fly in high winds while carrying a 15-pound load. Advanced Tactics say that the drone is ideal for inspecting pipelines, and it can also land on the ground to conduct field work without any difficulty. It can travel on the ground for up to 60 miles at a time.
While the Panther prototype debuted back in 2012, Advanced Tactics recently released the first video of what will become the commercially-available version. The video was apparently released as part of a pre-sale promotion.
The Panther represents an interesting and novel drone design in itself, but it’s also used as a test-bed for a vehicle that’s a cross between a helicopter, a truck and a drone called the Black Knight Transformer, which will be capable of carrying people in it if and when fully developed. In fact, it was floated as a possible medical evacuation vehicle for the military.
For now, the company seems to be focusing on the Panther, but if the little drone does well, the Black Knight Transformer might go on sale someday too.
Watch the Panther in action here:
Content and Image Source: PopSci
These Cases Were Cold... Until Science Cracked Them
Technology and science aren't always about the future. Take a look at these cold cases that were solved only thanks to the advances of science.
8 Lies We've Been Told About Electricity
These incorrect facts about electricity have been perpetuated long enough. It's time to disprove them.
The Future is Made of Self Healing Concrete
Keep tabs on the most recent technological advancements we're likely to see in the near future.
Behind the Scenes of the Human-Like Atlas Robot
In this video, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the incredible Atlas robot.
5 Robotics Trends Anticipated in 2024
What does 2024 have in store for the field of robotics?
Welcome to the Fastest Maze-Solving Competition Ever Made...
Welcome to Micromouse, a competition for the quick of eyes and the quick of minds. This is the oldest robotics race.
14 of the Most Fascinating Specialized Tools You'll See
We bet you haven’t seen these unique tools before!
Let's Talk About Size, From Big to Huge.
an incredible discovery that leads us to a better and better understanding of these objects' true size.
Take an Incredible Tour of Our Colossal Milky Way Galaxy
Fly Through the Milky Way Galaxy!
The Curious Science of Tricking Your Taste Buds
Did you know you could confuse your sense of taste? Find out how!
5 Robotics Trends Anticipated in 2024
What does 2024 have in store for the field of robotics?
Sci Fi Tech: Jetpack Rescue!
Paramedics in Britain are being trained to conduct mountain or sea rescues using jet suits. Find out more.
Are Underwater Turbines the Answer to Our Energy Question?
One of the most promising technologies in the renewable energy market is the ocean. Learn all about it.
What Would You Do if You Had an Extra Thumb?
This revolutionary invention has the potential to revolutionize the field of prosthetics.
Science Proves: These 10 Bible Stories Probably Did Happen
The Bible describes many seemingly supernatural cases, but today, science can show that they might have indeed happened.
Scientists Develop 'Flying Dragon' Robot to Fight Fires
Scientists in Japan have created a water-spitting 'flying dragon' robot to fight fires.
Is it REALLY the Coffee that Wakes Us Up in the Morning?
A recent study has revealed that the coffee you drink may just be a placebo...
Wonder Why Time Speeds Up As You Age? Here's the Answer
We all get the sensation that time moves faster as we get older, but there are scientific reasons for that. Read on to learn about this fascinating phenomenon.
Introducing the Astronauts That Were Just Launched Into Space
The two astronauts — veteran NASA fliers Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are honored to have been on this flight. Let's get to know them!
STUDY: The Effect of Personality on Our Level of Happiness
Researchers finally know which types of people will always be happier than others.
What on Earth Is a Black Hole? This Video Explains All...
What on Earth are black holes, how do they affect us, and should we be at all worried about their existence? Find out here.
These Experiments Remind Us Water Isn't Just For Drinking
This video will make you stop and think for a second the next time you're having a glass of water as you remember the brightly colored experiments that this video shows us you can do with water
Fascinating Science: How Old Can We Actually Get?
All things being equal, and technology continually progressing - How old can a human body really get?
50 Crazy But True Facts About Dreams You Need to Know
Here are some strange and unusual facts about dreams that will surprise you.
GUIDE: How Alcohol Affects Us, Drink by Drink...
In this article, we're going to discuss the exact amounts of alcohol in our blood and what they look like, including how each level affects us and our ability to function.
How To Be Sure Your Dog Adores You
10 scientific ways to know if your dog loves you
20 Useful Facts About the Science of Cooking
The science behind cooking is not often thought of, but it plays a crucial role in a dish turning out right. Here are 20 facts on the science of cooking.
Revolutionize Your Green Space: 12 Cool Garden Gadgets
Take your garden to the next level with the amazingly cool inventions and gadgets.
Whatever Happened to that Hole in the Ozone Layer?
Let's embark on this enlightening journey to better understand our atmosphere's health.
Incredible: This Man Got the First Double-Arm Transplant
Felix Gretarsson got burned in both arms and needed the new ones. For that purpose, he went through history's FIRST 2-arm transplant.
Scientists Develop Wrap That Determines if Food is Spoiled
Scientists at MIT have developed a biodegradable plastic-like wrap that changes color when food goes bad. Find out more…
19 Everyday Items That Started as Military Inventions
Look around your home, and you’ll surely find a handful of these items that were originally developed for the armed forces.
19 Things to AVOID to Make Your Phone Live Longer
19 common mistakes we all make, that make our phones age quicker.
This Mind-Blowing Talk Explores the Nature of Reality
In this video, cognitive scientist, Donald Hoffman, attempts to answer this mind-blowing question in this incredible TED talk.
6 Intriguing Archeological Finds of the 21st Century
These archaeological and paleontological discoveries were made in the past 10 years and they're equally fascinating and intriguing...
These Archaeological Finds Left the World Mystified
Find out more about the most mysterious discoveries that archaeologists made.
8 Inventions of 2023 That Will Change The Way We Live
This year was a prominent one for ground-breaking innovations that will change the way we live.
7 Weird Facts About the Human Voice That Will Surprise You
We bet you didn’t know these peculiar facts about the human voice.
Ever Wonder What Life Is Like if We Zoom In All the Way?
A selection of some of the winning photographs from Nikon's yearly macro photography contest.
Get a Sense of Scale of Just How Big SpaceX's Rockets Are
SpaceX is achieving incredible things in space, however it's difficult to picture just how big their rockets are. Take a look...
Why is Everyone Obsessed with This Weight-Loss Tool?
Ozempic has been touted as a wonder drug for weight loss in recent months. But what's the real truth behind it?
What Metals Do We Mine the Most? This Graph Shows All!
Did you know the world mined 2.8 billion tonnes of metals in 2021? Let’s discover what metals we mined the most.
How Do the Drugs We Take Affect Our Brain?
We take many pills these days. What is it exactly that they DO to our brain? Find out now.
Satisfy Your Curiosity About the Universe with These Q&As
Discover more about the universe by reading through these facts.
2023 in Science: Biggest Discoveries You Missed!
Let’s take a look at the most amazing scientific discoveries that made news this year.
How Can You Recognize a Fake Gadget Before Buying It?
More often than not, you're almost unable to recognize them. So, before purchasing the product you want to have, bear in mind the following tips:
3 Surefire Ways to Always Identify Pseudoscience
Find out how you can identify pseudoscience, and learn how it differs from actual science.