Robohub.org
 

Fotokite Phi GoPro-carrying quadcopter: Friendly, compact, light and affordable


by
19 August 2015



share this:
Flying Fotokite close up

Flying Fotokite close up

Zurich-based robotics company Perspective Robotics this week unveils Fotokite Phi, their first consumer targeted, affordable, accessible, tethered flying camera. The Fotokite Phi is available now for pre-order on Indiegogo for $349 USD.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aglTWdI-4Bo

 

The story behind Fotokite

Inspired by drone operators during the Russian protests in 2011, Perspective Robotics’ CEO Sergei Lupashin set out to make a drone that is safe and easy to use. The result is the Fotokite, a tethered user-friendly quadcopter, with a unique take on safety for both the operator and the people nearby. The Fotokite Phi is based on the same technology that Lupashin demo’ed on the TED stage in 2014, and that is also currently being used by major news outlets, such as the BBC, for their broadcast coverage and special programming.

 

Picture5x

 

Key benefits include:


Instant launch, intuitive gesture control

Fotokite is the only drone on the market that doesn’t rely on remote piloting or GPS, making for a simpler, more intuitive, user experience. To launch the Fotokite Phi, the user simply points it in the direction they want it to go and gives the device a quick shake. The onboard GoPro is powered by the Phi and automatically turns on when flying. The Fotokite’s core algorithms – developed by Lupashin while he worked on his PhD at the Flying Machine Arena at ETH Zurich, Switzerland – are protected by a patent application and enable the device to fly itself, controlled by simple gestures, on the end of the tether, with no need for a remote control or GPS.

 

Foldable and portable

The Fotokite Phi easily fits into a backpack or suitcase. It weighs 12 ounces, including the GoPro 3/3+/4 camera and battery, and is the lightest GoPro-carrying quadcopter on the market. The Fotokite Phi folds into a compact carrying case (about the size of a two liter soda bottle) and can easily fit in a backpack or suitcase for people traveling with it. The Fotokite Phi comes with a 26 foot leash included and a removable battery that charges directly through a USB port.

 

Safer for users and the people around them

If the Fotokite Phi detaches from the tether, the device is programmed to detect a lack of tension and float slowly to the ground, instead of flying away. In addition, the Fotokite’s soft propellers are safe to the touch.

Fotokite Phi folded, half in its tube

Fotokite Phi folded, half in its tube

 

Accountability

The tether makes it clear to bystanders who’s controlling the device, allowing for accountable aerial photography. To this end, Fotokite has secured special exemptions in Switzerland and France to be flown near crowds. Fotokite is currently working towards acquiring the same permission from the FAA in the US.

 

Fotokite at a museum

Fotokite at a museum

 

Flight Unit
Propellers : Soft Plastic 6,5 inch Fotokite Prop
Weight : 300g (excluding GoPro Camera), 350g (including GoPro camera)
Battery : Li Po Battery (1000 Ah, 11.1Wh), 3 cells
Flight time : We are aiming for 15 minutes
Camera : Go Pro 3 / 3+ / 4
Charger : USB 3C Charging cable
Dimensions : 90mm height, 350mm diameter, 170mm rotor diameter
CPU : ARM Cortex Processor
Sensors : IMU, no GPS
Motors : 1400 Kv Brushless
Smart-Leash
8m cord, self retracting
Dimensions : 40mm height, 90mm diameter
Sensors : IMU
Case
Dimensions : 90mm x 300mm
Weight : 150g

 



tags: , , , , , , , ,


Fotokite creates cutting-edge technological tools to enable new forms of visual storytelling.
Fotokite creates cutting-edge technological tools to enable new forms of visual storytelling.





Related posts :



Robot Talk Episode 129 – Automating museum experiments, with Yuen Ting Chan

  17 Oct 2025
In the latest episode of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire chatted to Yuen Ting Chan from Natural History Museum about using robots to automate molecular biology experiments.

What’s coming up at #IROS2025?

  15 Oct 2025
Find out what the International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems has in store.

From sea to space, this robot is on a roll

  13 Oct 2025
Graduate students in the aptly named "RAD Lab" are working to improve RoboBall, the robot in an airbag.

Robot Talk Episode 128 – Making microrobots move, with Ali K. Hoshiar

  10 Oct 2025
In the latest episode of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire chatted to Ali K. Hoshiar from University of Essex about how microrobots move and work together.

Interview with Zahra Ghorrati: developing frameworks for human activity recognition using wearable sensors

and   08 Oct 2025
Zahra tells us more about her research on wearable technology.

Women in robotics you need to know about 2025

  06 Oct 2025
This global list celebrates women's impact across the robotics ecosystem and globe.

Robot Talk Episode 127 – Robots exploring other planets, with Frances Zhu

  03 Oct 2025
In the latest episode of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire chatted to Frances Zhu from the Colorado School of Mines about intelligent robotic systems for space exploration.



 

Robohub is supported by:




Would you like to learn how to tell impactful stories about your robot or AI system?


scicomm
training the next generation of science communicators in robotics & AI


 












©2025.05 - Association for the Understanding of Artificial Intelligence