Sprite: A New Modular and Reinforced Drone

Most drones have embraced a quadcopter or hexacopter design to maximize stability and maneuverability. However, for certain applications, stability matters more than agility. With that in mind, we meet Sprite, a drone unlike the rest, featuring a tubular yet modular design that can withstand a hostile environment.

It is a new source of entertainment that delights thousands of users, and the future of home deliveries according to many companies. The drone is here to stay, beyond its legal situation and current costs. The immediate market goal is to expand the product base, and of course, do it at a reasonable price, while seeking not to lose quality. It's a matter of balance that will take a bit more work, but I imagine that sooner or later we'll talk about drones like we do about smartphones and computers today. Until then, we must closely explore every new option that appears on the Web, and this time we discovered something a little different from the rest.

The new Sprite has nothing to do with the drink, although if we look at it from afar, the first thing that comes to mind is a bottle or a thermos (read “Dewar flask”). With two rotors on top, the Sprite can stay in the air and follow the user without major issues, either autonomously or controlled with a traditional RC remote. Sprite also manages to cope with the absence of a suitable landing point, thanks to its robust design and its ability to float on water. The camera integrated into the Sprite records at 1080p at 30 frames per second, and its mount is completely modular, so users can replace it with other accessories without aggressive adjustments. This also includes changing batteries “outdoors”, eliminating the need for soldering. Currently, the Sprite’s autonomy is around twelve minutes, but it’s reasonable to assume that its future buyers will make specific modifications to extend that time.

The developers of the Sprite drone decided to seek financial support on Kickstarter, and with 19 days to go, they are very close to reaching their goal of $200,000. The most economical entry point to get a Sprite is $799, which includes camera and battery, but not a charger. The Explorer edition raises the price to $949, and it’s a more complete solution, as it includes the aforementioned charger and a compatible RC remote. First deliveries, in December.

More details are available on the official Kickstarter page.