When it comes to drones, we thought we’d seen everything.
From drones you can fly using the sound of your voice, to quad copters that come with VR goggles for a first person viewing experience, flying RC toys have come a long way over the past few years—but we have never seen anything like KD’s latest innovation.
Aura, from KD Interactive, is a new drone that kids can control with simple hand gestures. That’s right: a drone that makes you literally feel like a wizard.
Designed for kids ages 7 and up, Aura is a gesture-controlled drone that uses patented Gesturebotics technology powered by LocoRobo. Kids can slip on the wearable glove controller, use the Velcro straps to attach the control panel, turn on the drone, and prepare for take off.
The gestures are simple: lift up to ascend, push down to descend, and perform a swiping motion to either side to fly left of right. Kids can even perform some cool side flips once they master the controls.
The drone is about the size of a dinner plate, and it pairs to the controller in just a few quick seconds. Kids can use the one-click button for easy take-off and landings, and let their motions do the rest.
Aura is designed to fly indoors, since even small gusts of wind could effect its ability to follow the gesture commands—but never fear, worried moms: your walls are safe from damage! Parents will love that Aura features a sturdy plastic frame to protect the drone in the event of minor crashes. The drone also includes extra propellers.
While the glove is designed for right-handed people, yours truly is a lefty, and I had no problem flying the drone with my right hand, thanks to the fact that the controls are extremely simple. The drone does have a bit of a delay, so kids should anticipate which direction they want Aura to fly, but once you get through a few practice runs, it will all feel like second nature.
Aura will fly for about 5-7 minutes on a single charge, and takes about 20-30 minutes to fully charge, giving kids lots of exciting playtime. This is definitely a top tech toy that will bring the entire family together this holiday season, because kids—and kids at heart—will be eager to feel like they are channeling the Force and flying a drone with just a flick of the wrist.
Be a hero this year with Aura.
