Some amazing engineer built a drone that can lift its own weight using only the electric power that it gets from an on-board solar panel and nothing else (no battery).

Video: I Built a Solar Powered Drone and it WORKS by Luke Maximo Bell

  • ageedizzle@piefed.caEnglish
    47·
    2 days ago

    Just don’t bring it out on a windy day or the solar panel would turn into a sail real quick

    • Lumidaub@feddit.org
      321·
      2 days ago

      This boat can move with the power of wind alone, just using this big sheet! No motor or oars necessary! Just don’t bring it out on a windless day.

    • anomnom@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      3·
      2 days ago

      If they could add a flap and slight airfoil shape to the panel it could be an advantage in the wind.

      Also if it can propel itself up post the clouds it wouldn’t have to land for days.

      • ageedizzle@piefed.caEnglish
        3·
        2 days ago

        Yeah a partially sail powered drone does sound really neat actually. Would definitely help extend the battery life

        • harmbugler@piefed.socialEnglish
          1·
          1 day ago

          Very interesting! If the drone can orient and bend itself into a wing/sail, there would be a lot it could do beyond just the motorised fans.