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Helicopter Learns to Fly On Its Own

by Evan Shamoon on September 18, 2008 at 07:03 AM



What's more high tech than a helicopter that flies itself? A robot helicopter that teaches itself to fly ... itself.

Scientists at Stanford University have created exactly that, unveiling their autonomous helicopter on Monday. The four-foot long aircraft, which learned by watching other helicopters fly, performed "flips, rolls, pirouettes, stall-turns, knife-edges, and an inverted hover over a field," according to a Reuters report.

"'These helicopters can fly maneuvers at the edge of what a helicopter is capable of," said Adam Coates, a PhD student who worked on the project. And believe it or not, they're affordable! The helicopters are currently going for around $3500; according to researchers, the technology could be used to fight wildfires or be sent on military missions.

Or, you know, to impress female robot helicopters. [From: DailyMail]

Tags: helicopter, robot

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