The Iris+ drone is the successor to 3D Robotics’ Iris Quadcopter that was introduced in 2013. The big feature of the Iris+ is called Follow Me, which allows the drone to automatically follow a moving ground-based GPS-enabled Android device.
When equipped with a GoPro camera, the Iris+ can record footage of users biking, skiing, surfing, etc. However, the Iris+ does not have a collision avoidance system, so don’t use Follow Me mode if it’s going to be flying near trees or power lines. This advanced technology simultaneously controls the gimbal to keep the camera centered on you, capturing sweeping cinematic video from a perspective unlike any other.
The Iris+, like the Iris Quadcopter, can be flown using an included radio remote control unit, or by plotting a course on a Mac, Windows, Android, or Linux device.
Should the Iris+ fly out of range or run low on power, it will automatically fly itself back to its take-off location. And depending on payload and flying conditions, one charge of its battery should be good for 16-22 minutes of flight time. Other new features on the Iris+ include:
- Self-tightening propellers
- LED orientation lights
- An improved power system
- Lighter-weight arms and legs
With free DroidPlanner 2 software, IRIS+ users can plan flights by simply drawing a flight path on any Android tablet or phone, which allows for hands-free flight control. Now your drone will go where you tell it to go, and it can even keep your GoPro pointed at the same location via a Region of Interest waypoint throughout the entire flight. This enables fun autonomous journeys, and automatically stabilized video capture that would be otherwise impossible.
