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iPhone-Controlled Helicopter With AR Games
andylim writes "Parrot has unveiled a remote-controlled helicopter that boasts augmented reality games. The helicopter is controlled using an iPhone or iPod Touch's accelerometer and touchscreen. There's a camera on the front of the helicopter, which you can use to navigate and to play augmented reality games, including a game that involves fighting a gigantic robot."
You hit the nail on the head: the problem is power/weight. Looking at the specs http://www.parrot.com/parrot-ar-drone/en/how-does-it-work#start/ it looks like the batteries are expensive lithium-ion-polymer with "15 minutes battery autonomy", which I assume is a fancy way of saying that you get 15 minutes run flying time between recharging.
Yep its what the US does best:
http://michaelsmith.id.au
People have already filled cars and trucks up with far more explosive power than you could put aboard a flying delivery droid.
Anyhow, since the government has armed UAVs, civilians should, too. There's a reason why our constitution prohibits the government from having a monopoly on weapons.
-jcr
The only title of honor that a tyrant can grant is "Enemy of the State."
The reason why iPhone/iPod touch makes such a great controller is because of the accelerometer's high sampling rate. It tops out at 400hz
I've been saying for months that the iPhone would make a great autopilot. It's cheap, it's light, it's got hours of battery life, it has GPS + compass + acceleration sensing, and the USB on the dock connector could easily be adapted to any of the USB servo controllers that are available off the shelf.
-jcr
The only title of honor that a tyrant can grant is "Enemy of the State."