The ultimate hands-free umbrella: $275 ‘Parasol’ drone can follow you around during storms
A Japanese company is taking drone ownership to the next level with the development of an autonomous umbrella that follows a user's head.
The Free Parasol uses a camera and artificial intelligence to track and follow a user as they walk down the street.
The technology is already in use with some autonomous drones, but Asahi Power Services hopes to adapt it for self-flying umbrellas.
The device can help someone commute hands-free (or while holding a cell phone) and is useful in both rain and sun.
As of now, the umbrella prototypes weigh a hefty 11 pounds and have a flight time of only 20 minutes.
The designers are confident that they can reduce the weight to just two pounds, and increase flight time to an hour or more.
However, flight duration will depend on the weather and will be affected by heavy rains and wind.
The Free Parasol is expected to be available on the market by 2019, but will come at the lofty price of $275.
The umbrella joins a relatively saturated flying drone market - though it will be the first one to protect you from the rain.
By 2020, drones are expected to be a $100billion industry.
They range in size from something that could slip into your pocket right up to the behemoth weaponry used by militaries around the world.
And they are not only in the skies - they can also be found driving on the ground, inspecting sub-sea pipelines, crawling into tight gaps too dangerous for humans or even rocketing off to outer space.
They are used by emergency services, including search and rescue and tackling fires, through to innovations in agriculture, construction, humanitarian aid, wildlife preservation and personal security.
