Sony brand can be associated to different devices, such as
camera, music player, smartphone, TV to game console, but apparently this time
Sony tries to enter a new segment.
As we know that the drones and aerial photography segment is
on the rise now, and recently Sony is reportedly trying to expand its reach
into commercial UAV field. To step into this segment, Sony is not alone. Sony
collaborates with a robotics company from Tokyo, ZMP. And the result is a new
venture called Aerosense, with two experimental drones: AS-DTO1-E and AS-MCO1-P.
Although both are powered by a combination of the motors and
propellers series, but both drones units get different design direction, and
most likely they will be developed in a different direction as well. And
recently, Aerosense exhibited the action of AS-DTO1-E ‘Experimental Machine’
and AS-MCO1-P ‘Prototype’ to the public. Some famous names such as Google X and
Amazon are testing unique concepts in drones, for example solar panels tech for
drones or express package delivery by drones, so what about Aerosense?
Let's discuss the AS-MCO1-P Prototype first. It's a
quad-copter, with small size, approximately 515 × 515 × 400 mm with four legs
that are placed just below the rotor. Aerosense equips the AS-MCO1-P with a
camera 'lens' DSC-QX30, GPS and navigation systems, plus TransferJet - the
ability to upload images at high speed. This drone is also equipped with fail
safe function, in case when the wireless connection is disconnected, the
battery runs out, or out of the coverage area.
AS-DT01-E Experimental Machine stores almost the same
features as the AS-MCO1-P, but the appearance is much slicker. It resembles to
a plane with VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) capability ala Harrier Jump
Jet, and it has a dimension of 2200 × 1600 × 600 mm. The AS-DT01-E can carry a
maximum load of 10 kilograms, and fly for two hours at a top speed of 170
kilometers per hour.
This VTOL drone is armed with propellers that could shift
the direction of rotation, plus the slat / flap on the wings and tails to
change the altitude and direction of flight. Three wheels under the AS-DT01-E
body allow this aircraft to land just like the regular aircrafts or via
vertical technique.
According to information in the press release, AerosenseInc. will combine camera technology, sensors, telecommunications and robotics
from Sony and ZMP to deliver solutions in the field of measurement, surveying,
observation and supervision. According to the plan, Aerosense will begin to
open 'drone-based services' to the public in 2016.