It’s called the SQUID (Streamlined Quick Unfolding Investigation Drone), and it’s a quadcopter drone, but it’s quite different from the usual kind of drones you might find at your local electronics store. Developed by Caltech and JPL, SQUID launches from a tube, unfolds in mid-air and then fires up its motors to stabilise itself and fly as normal.
It’s designed as a quick response drone, with minimal risk or energy required during takeoff to maximise the flight time. It also allows it to overcome some of the issues of launching regular drones. Issues like having to have a flat stable platform to take off from, and being able to get high enough, quickly enough, so that it’s out of the way of people and things on the ground.
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