Gimball Rescue Drone Jumps Like an Insect Through Unapproachable Terrain

It’s a small, lightweight drone which has the unique capability of being able to collide with obstacles without losing its stability and being safe to fly in close proximity to humans. The principle it was designed on is borrowed from nature, of course, only this time researchers were inspired by insects and their way to safely jump around.

Constructed as a two-prop, electronically stabilized gym ball surrounded by a tough, lightweight carbon fiber cage, the innovative drone will plow right into obstacles instead of avoiding them since it won’t do any damage. It can even roll along the ground or a ceiling. Up to some point, the drone is also safe to potential victims since its propellers won’t touch the exterior of the cage.

Created by a team from Switzerland named Flyability, Gimball can enter confined spaces and safely fly close to humans, proving to be highly effective in rescue missions. The winners of the first “UAE Drones for Good Award”, the largest award of its kind in the world, were announced two days ago, in the presence of his Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and other dignitaries.

The competition was launched at the 2014 Government Summit, which took place in Dubai Internet City. The event focuses on “how technology will radically reshape government and public services through the introduction of drones, robotics and other innovations." This year’s edition runs from 9 through 11 February.

Over the course of the two-day event, 39 semi-finalists in three categories presented live demonstrations of their projects to a panel of international judges. Flyability from Switzerland won the US$1 million grant in the International Competition.