Chinese startup Wisson Robotics caused a sensation at CES 2025 by presenting its new range of drones equipped with articulated arms for new uses.
The Orion AP30-N1 consists of an aerial manipulator patented by Wisson Robotics and grafted onto a DJI FlyCart 30 delivery drone. It takes the form of a highly versatile aerial robot, offering unimagined capabilities. This drone has been designed for precision aerial tasks such as picking up and positioning materials, thus reducing the risks and complexity of operations for humans, especially in challenging environments.
Indeed, the technology embedded in this articulated arm offers several advantages, including enhanced resistance to adverse environments. The 3D-printed arm, made from flexible polymer-based materials, incorporates human-like joints in both elbow and hand, and is particularly resistant to water and corrosion.
Another drone is equipped not with an arm but with a complete cleaning system, including a high-pressure pump – an ideal solution for the maintenance of building facades and towers, and capable of accessing complex areas such as eaves and windowsills.
All these innovations open up new prospects for sectors such as high-altitude facade cleaning, or the inspection and maintenance of complex infrastructure such as bridges, wind turbines and power lines. They could also facilitate waste collection in hard-to-reach areas.
In the agricultural sector, such robots could well be used for crop monitoring, sample collection or precision spraying. Finally, in emergency situations, these drones could be used for rapid rescue operations, transporting medical equipment, etc. – AFP Relaxnews
