Interesting video from Edwin Van Ruymbeke who is the inventor of the “BionicBird” a new bird shaped drone which is currently in prototype. Mr. Ruymbeke explains in the video how his father and grandfather invented the first mechanical bird where the wings would flap. (Full disclosure, I owned one of these as a kid).
The newest version is a Drone, shaped like a bird that sits on a egg shaped charger before flying up to 100 yards for a current maximum flight of about 12 minutes. It is very light at 8.5 grams and is controlled by a free phone application.
Maybe not ready for the drone race yet but would be fun to bring and play around with while you are waiting for the race to start. You are sure to make new friends. Looking forward to trying one out.