A miniature 3D-printable hexcoptor that fits easily in your pocket could be the answer to all your dronie and first-person VR challenges. Currently seeking funding on Indiegogo right now, the ELF VRdrone was designed by ElecFreaks to be simple and easy to use, employing a smartphone app as its remote control and a Google Cardboard-like headset to show you what its camera sees in real-time virtual reality, kind of like a cross between DIY drone headsets and the wearable mini-drone bracelet, Nixie, or the record-breaking SKYE nanodrone.
ElecFreaks first introduced the 5.5″ x 5.5″ x 1.3″ ELF last October, and since then, have only worked towards upgrading its features. The group’s stretch goals promise ultrasonic obstacle avoidance should they reach $200,000 in funding, “follow me” and head movement-responsive modes at $500,000, and even facial recognition software and more if they hit $1 million.
Videos by VICE
They also invite the open-source community to pitch in: “You can either modify the hardware to redefine new functionalities or personalize the app without approval or oversight hassles,” the company writes on IndieGoGo. Its frame and propellers are available for free download on Thingiverse, and you can get the full kit—which includes motors and all the development files—with a $65 donation. Learn more on ElecFreaks’ website.
Donate to the ELF VRdrone on IndieGoGo.
Related:
A Massive Drone Circus Is Coming to Amsterdam
Nixie, the Selfie-Taking Drone, Wins Intel’s $500,000 Make It Wearable Challenge
Watch Drones Dance In Cirque Du Soleil’s Quadcopter Performance Film
More
From VICE
-
Gary Wolstenholme/Redferns/Getty Images -
Aleutie/Getty Images -
Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket/Getty Images -
Screenshot: Nintendo
