X

Skydio R1 self-flying drone gets new Car Follow mode

Because flying a drone while you're driving won't end well.

Joshua Goldman Managing Editor / Advice
Managing Editor Josh Goldman is a laptop expert and has been writing about and reviewing them since built-in Wi-Fi was an optional feature. He also covers almost anything connected to a PC, including keyboards, mice, USB-C docks and PC gaming accessories. In addition, he writes about cameras, including action cams and drones. And while he doesn't consider himself a gamer, he spends entirely too much time playing them.
Expertise Laptops, desktops and computer and PC gaming accessories including keyboards, mice and controllers, cameras, action cameras and drones Credentials
  • More than two decades experience writing about PCs and accessories, and 15 years writing about cameras of all kinds.
See full bio
Joshua Goldman
Skydio

One of the smartest flying cameras available is now even smarter. 

The Skydio R1, which started shipping earlier this year for $2,500, is a "fully autonomous flying camera" that uses its 13 cameras to see in all directions and map its environment in real time using an Nvidia Jetson TX1 processor. Today, the company announced its first major software update for the drone, which will allow it to follow a moving vehicle all on its own. Though with a 25 mph (40 kph) top speed, you can't go all too fast while it does it.  

The update will add four new cinematic modes -- Quarter Lead, Quarter Follow, Car Follow, Car Tripod -- as well as update the landing experience and improve the UI and Skydio Autonomy Engine's prediction system for more intelligent behavior around obstacles. 

Computing Guides

Laptops
Desktops & Monitors
Computer Accessories
Photography
Tablets & E-Readers
3D Printers
Computing Coupons