Researchers at the University of Tokyo’s DRAGON Lab have unveiled a groundbreaking bird-like drone that mimics a falcon's flight and is safe to operate near humans. Unlike traditional drones with spinning propellers, this new flapping-wing drone uses soft, flexible wings, significantly reducing noise and the risk of injury during close contact.
Designed for human interaction, the drone responds to simple gestures—an extended arm commands it to “approach and land,” while a bent arm signals it to “stay.” It operates with remarkable precision, thanks to eight motion-capture cameras that track body movements and ensure the drone maintains a safe 0.3-meter distance from the chest while approaching from predictable angles.
A sophisticated onboard algorithm fine-tunes its velocity based on how people perceive motion, allowing it to navigate safely in crowded spaces. The team envisions its use in package delivery, accessibility support, and urban drone operations where safety and human proximity are key.