Researchers at developed FlexiQuad, a drone with a soft, ring-shaped frame and no central body. The frame bends sideways when it hits an obstacle but is stiffer vertically so the rotors can still transmit flight forces.
The team says it flies fast and manoeuvres nimbly, and it has filed a patent application. Suggested uses are inspection and rescue in confined spaces. These are university statements of a research prototype.
Source: ethz.chSource: techxplore.com
Limits
Research prototype; the university's own claims of speed and agility.