3D Robotics announces Sir Richard Branson as new investor

Berkeley, California – 3D Robotics, a North American drone company across both consumer and enterprise channels, officially welcomes Sir Richard Branson as the latest investor in the company. In addition, 3DR announced smartwatch integration with the IRIS+ platform, making easier on-the-go use of the IRIS+ and its Follow Me technology.

 

3DR CEO Chris Anderson and CTO Jordi Muñoz have both contributed articles about the future of drones to the Virgin blog. Additionally, 3DR has released a welcome “postcard” video shot entirely during their visit to Branson’s Necker Island in the Virgin Islands.

 

“It’s amazing to see what a little flying object with a GoPro attached can do. Before they came along the alternative was an expensive helicopter and crew,” stated Branson, founder of the Virgin Group. “I’m really excited about the potential 3DR sees in drones. They can do a lot of good in the world, and I hope this affordable technology will give many more people the chance to see our beautiful planet from such a powerful perspective.”

 

This perspective now entails another upgrade to theIRIS+ platform that 3DR recently released, integrating smartwatch wearable technology with the IRIS+ 3PV Follow Me application. 

 

3PV keeps the IRIS+ camera centered on you as you do what you do, and wearable technology makes this even simpler, as well as expands the possibilities of what you can do with the camera while you’re in action. Because a smartwatch sits on your wrist and isn’t held in your hand like a phone or tablet, its screen is more accessible and less obtrusive to activity if you want to operate Follow Me modes in action. From the smartwatch screen, you can switch modes mid-flight with the tip of your finger: tell the drone to follow left, follow right, lead you, or circle.