The Japanese drone manufacturer Prodrone, who – like many of their peers – appears hell-bent on giving Skynet all the ammunition it needs to destroy humanity once and for all, has revealed the world’s first large-format drone fitted with dual robotic arms. With its six propellers, the PD6B-AW-ARM can reach altitudes of over 16,404 feet, speeds up to 37 miles per hour, and can operate in wind up to 22 mph. And, so the company claims, it can function under all weather conditions and is waterproof.
The real game-changer, however, are its clawed arms – which give this relatively small unmanned chopper the capability to complete a variety of otherwise impossible tasks. They can carry a maximum payload of up to 22 pounds for a flight time of up to 30 minutes. Without a payload, it has the ability to perform a number of “hands-on” activities, such as cutting cables, turning dials, flipping switches, retrieving hazardous materials, etc. And it can do so at altitude, over long distances, or in places that would normally be too unsafe for humans. Prodrone showcased their work at this year’s International Drone Conference and Exposition, but they have yet to announce when this device will go up for sale.
