From a technological point of view the flying sphere from
Japan’s Ministry of Defense is a revolutionary advancement. Not
only is it the first flying sphere that can hover, take-off, and
land like a helicopter but it can also fly horizontally at high
speeds (up to 37 mph) thanks to its wings – a feat not possible
with a standard helicopter. Its three gyroscopes keep it stable
despite interference from other objects or during autonomous
flight and because it is spherical it can land in a variety of
environments and roll along the ground. Obviously it includes a
camera for remote observation and given the fact that it is a
military-made machine, other sensors will likely be included at
a later date. The most impressive aspect of the flying sphere is
that it was built using off-the-shelf parts for approximately
$1,400. Given a few revisions to flight stability (the sphere’s
controls are still too sensitive to be flown via on-board
camera), battery life, and an improved sensor array – the flying
sphere could prov