iBubble - Underwater Diving Drone

The iBubble underwater diving drone is the first autonomous underwater drone designed to follow a diver, capture footage, and turn every dive into a hands-free filmmaking session. Localization technology, six degrees of mobility, and a smart controller make it as natural to pilot as a modern camera.

The Design

The iBubble is a fully autonomous underwater drone, engineered around a hydrodynamic hull with integrated handles for easy transport. Its proprietary positioning system locks onto the diver and follows them everywhere underwater, while an obstacle avoidance system and depth sensor keep the drone safe on complex reef environments. From the boat, an operator can also pilot it via remote control with live video feedback (Explorer's Pack), turning any surface crew into an active part of the shoot.

On the Water

The iBubble drone is compatible with GoPro (Hero3 and up) and comparable action cameras, and its smart controller ships with embedded filming scenarios, including a come-to-me feature that repositions the drone for the ideal frame. Seven motors deliver six degrees of mobility with strong stability even against 3-knot currents, and the drone will automatically resurface in case of permanent signal loss or a failure to return to the diver. Video streams to your smartphone via the iOS/Android app for immediate review.

Specifications

• Builder: iBubble
• Category: Autonomous underwater diving drone
• Dimensions: 60 cm x 45 cm x 35 cm (24 in x 18 in x 14 in)
• Weight: About 9 kg (19 lbs)
• Max depth: 60 m (197 ft)
• Max range from diver: 25 m (80 ft)
• Top speed: 1.5 m/s (4.5 ft/s)
• Battery life: 1 hour in standard conditions (water 10 to 30 C, current up to 1 m/s)
• Battery pack: Rechargeable, easily replaceable Li-Ion, under 100 Wh
• Motors: 7 motors, 6 degrees of mobility
• Camera compatibility: GoPro Hero3 and up, action cameras
• Safety: Automatic resurfacing on signal loss
• Current tolerance: Up to 3 knots (1.5 m/s, 5 ft/s)
• Controller: Smart controller with embedded scenarios and integrated display
• App: iOS and Android
• Availability: Pre-order, shipping starts in March

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