Solar panels on the wing make the Silent Falcon a durable flier. Image credit: Silent Falcon
As “green” technology finds its way into more parts of our society, it is starting to be bent toward all sorts of ends — like spying on people. I just posted a story on Forbes about the Silent Falcon, a new robot drone that vastly increases its flight time with wings carpeted in solar panels.
Drones aren’t just for spying and killing, of course. In coming years they will take to the skies in order to census animals and guide rescuers. Nonetheless, I feel as ambiguous about them as I do about mud-powered fish-bots. Is the use of renewable energy in robots the start of something wonderful, or the beginning of the end? State your case in the comments.
David,
Thanks for your article. Part of your story is an interesting description of a synergy of many new technologies. Light-weight composite structure, solar electric propulsion, quiet, slow rotating propeller and harmonized aerodynamics to create a vehicle with remarkable endurance and economy. The advantages of such a tool, utilizing clean solar energy are immense – a great story all by itself.
George Bye