Evolving Tech

While they might seem like toys, a high-quality quadcopter is a serious investment, and an easy way to add production value to a film project, or get a unique view on the world for your travel vlog. We've flown plenty, and these are the best drones in our tests.

China Launches World's First Crewless Drone Carrier

A Chinese maritime research vessel capable of carrying dozens of air, sea, and submersible drones is the "world's first intelligent unmanned system mother ship," according to its builder, CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipping Co.

Weather Balloons May Need to Find Another Job

Weather balloons in India may need to seek unemployment benefits, as the country is studying the viability of replacing the hydrogen-filled balloons with drones to collect atmospheric data.

Schools Will Need to Wait for Taser Drone Sentinels

Axon CEO Rick Smith stated he plans to explore building a taser-equipped drone as a defense option for active-shooter scenarios.

Snapchat Unleashes Tweensy Tiny Selfie Drone

Snapchat just announced its second hardware product—the first was 2016's Spectacles smart glasses—a mini yellow "selfie drone" called Pixy.

Casia G Ground-Based Surveillance System

Iris Automation announces the commercial availability of Casia G, a ground-based version of its detect and avoid (DAA) surveillance solution.

Cleo Robotics Cracks the Code for Ducted-Fan Drone Tech

The cute and aptly named Dronut X1 by Boston-based Cleo Robotics is the planet's first bi-rotor ducted drone.

The Future Is Near: Solid-State Silent Drone Project Gets Investment from NASA

Imagine a drone with no moving parts—no propellers at all—silently delivering your latest Amazon purchase to your front door like Superman gently floating down from the skies.

Polestar 02 Concept Car with Onboard Drone: Film Your Top-Down Excursions

The Polestar O2—the second concept car from Polestar after the company's 2020 Precept—is a 100-percent electric sports car that's a hard-top convertible.

Warning: Spy Drone Onboard!

The Ford Motor Company—which may soon have to abandon its slogan, "Everything We Do is Driven By You" in the wake of the firm's co-ownership of autonomous car company Argo AI—has patented a piggyback drone system that can check a vehicle for damage.