Finding new ways to use drones. What about a flying umbrella?

In our previous post, we mentioned how people always find new ways to use drones. Well, what do you think about this latest example from the Japanese company, Asahi Power Services? They have invented an umbrella that can be held in place by a drone. It is called the Free Parasol.

The Free Parasol

This so-called Free Parasol has been developed is demonstrated in the video below. Here they have mounted it on a DJI Mavic Pro drone. Now, on a beautiful, sunny day this combination may be able to provide some shade, but you would have to tolerate the continuous buzzing sound right above your head.

On their website, it says that they are also working on a Free Parasol version with the propellers and other drone features built-in. The company is planning to use artificial intelligence so that the drone can track your head’s movements and continue to provide shade.

According to Sora News 24, Asahi Power Services is planning to bring the Free Parasol to market in 2019. It will cost 30,000 Yen, which is about $275, and it will have about an hour worth of flight time. The company is targeting customers with private property, such as golf courses, as flying their umbrella drone would probably not be allowed in public areas.

They are also working on a waterproof version, but you may wonder how useful that will be on a rainy and possibly windy day.