A prototype drone, built by researchers at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, uses folds inspired by origami. The tiny quadcopter drone could be released quickly in large numbers in a disaster zone to assess damage and contact survivors.

A prototype drone, built by researchers at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, uses folds inspired by origami. The tiny quadcopter drone could be released quickly in large numbers in a disaster zone to assess damage and contact survivors.
3D Robotics (3DR) recently unveiled fixed-wing (Aero-M) and quadcopter (X8-M) mapping drones with price points around $5,000. Earth Imaging Journal (EIJ) Editorial Director Matt Ball spoke with Brandon Basso, the company's senior research and development engineer, about 3DR's focus on providing mapping platforms for the masses.