Yuneec Typhoon H With Intel RealSense R200 Camera: Details Inside

It’s official, Yuneec and its authorized dealers are now accepting pre-orders for its new Typhoon H Hexacopter with Intel’s RealSense R200 Camera and Atom processor. While this model has not yet been reviewed, here’s the details as provided by Yuneec along with an overview and editorial opinion:

What Is it?:
This model is a derivative or step-up model of the Yuneec Typhoon H hexacopter that due to a partnership with Intel adds a new level of intelligent obstacle avoidance. Similar to the currently available Typhoon H, this model incorporates six motors (as opposed to a quadcopter that incorporate four motors) and includes a fail-safe feature that if one of the motors fails, it can be landed safely.

Other features, such as its 360-degree, three axis camera, are unique (pun intended) to the industry at this time. This drone package includes and is remotely operated by Yuneec’s Android-based ST16 controller that incorporates a seven-inch display, so the purchase or connection to a third-party phone or tablet is not required for full operation.

What Makes This Model Different Than The Typhoon H:
This upgraded model incorporates Intel’s RealSense R200 Camera module and Atom processor. It’s promoted to operate seamlessly with the Typhoon H’s flight control firmware to add intelligent obstacle navigation.

Simply stated, this technology raises the bar for other manufacturers and promises to be a big step forward for the camera drone industry as it combines intelligent safety measures developed by tech giant Intel with Yuneec’s growing reputation reliable products and timely customer service. This partnership was announced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) In January 2016 and this is the first product resulting from this alliance.

Package Includes:
The Typhoon H RealSense module (installed at the factory), ST16 controller with a Wizard controller for dual operator mode, two batteries, extra propellers and arrives packed in a custom designed backpack.

Basically, it’s a true all-in-one, out-of-the box hexacopter solution that ushers in a new generation of prosumer camera drone models with enhanced obstacle avoidance. Since its ST16 controller incorporates an Android-based seven-inch touch screen, no additional purchases or items are required for its intended usage.

Opinion:
While the Wizard handheld remote was introduced last year, it was my opinion it was a novelty when used with the Q500 4K quadcopter and wouldn’t become relevant until some sort of obstacle avoidance is incorporated into the drone it’s mated. It seems this new model, combined with Yuneec’s Wizard wand remote, could add additional functions to this copter.

Other Features:

Similar to the currently available Typhoon H hexacopter, this model incorporates:

4K UHD 30fps, HD 1080p 120fps video / 12.4 Megapixel still camera
3-axis anti-vibration gimbal camera with full 360° rotation
Retractable landing gear
Easy ‘Twist and Lock’ propeller installation
Folding rotor arms for compact storage
Integrated autonomous flight modes
ST16 controller with built-in 7-inch touchscreen

The Typhoon H with Intel RealSense is considered a ready-to-fly hexacopter that incorporates a sophisticated obstacle avoidance system developed by tech giant Intel. This model captured the attention of the media at CES when Intel CEO Brian Krzanich demonstrated this drone model during the company’s CES keynote.

Price:
$1,900

Pre-Order Availability:
Now

Orders scheduled to open on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, 10am Pacific Time.

First Shipments:
Expected by July 21st.

Opinion:
Having flown and tested various consumer-oriented camera drones over the past two years, I’ve grown to appreciate Yuneec products based on my personal experience with its Typhoon Q500 4K. Compared with competitively priced models, the two Q500 models purchased for long-term testing purposes required minimal maintenance, only a rare firmware update and only occasional calibration. It delivered, for the most part, a positive user experience. The result was a reliable, easy-to-fly experience that delivered, in my opinion, smooth video. When customer service was required, support was typically a quick, painless experience.

Per Yuneec, those who purchased the Typhoon H, will be able to purchase a separately available Intel RealSense Technology module that will be released in the near future. At this time, no specific date or pricing has been provided for this accessory.

Note:
I held off on reviewing the initial H in anticipation of this reviewing this model that incorporated the Intel R200 RealSense module.

And yes, a full review is coming soon!

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Here’s the official press release:

Yuneec Typhoon H with Intel ® RealSense ™ Technology Now Available for Preorder

Typhoon H with Intel RealSense Technology Improves Safety, Allows More Creative Options with Intelligent Obstacle Navigation

ONTARIO, Calif. (June 22, 2016) — Yuneec International, the world leader in electric aviation, today announced the award-winning Typhoon H with Intel RealSense Technology is now available for preorder at a suggested retail price of $1,899.

First shipments to customers will begin within four weeks. Customers will receive their Typhoon H with a factory installed Intel RealSense R200 Camera and Intel Atom™ processor, an ST16 controller with a Wizard controller for dual operator mode, two batteries, and extra propellers, all packed in a custom designed backpack. Most recently demonstrated live at CES Asia, Intel RealSense Technology enables Typhoon H to fly autonomously, intelligently navigating around objects, taking safety and customers’ creative options to the next level.

As installed on Typhoon H, the Intel RealSense R200 Camera and the quad core Intel Atom processor module work seamlessly with the flight control firmware to add intelligent obstacle navigation. With a combination of specialized cameras and sensors, this Intel system maps and learns its environment in 3D, recognizing each obstacle, planning an alternative route and safely navigating around it. This is a major advancement over ultra-sonic collision prevention, which automatically stops Typhoon H short of obstacles, but cannot model the environment or intelligently reroute around obstacles. The module also adds downward facing sensors to improve stability, enabling flight indoors or outdoors close to the ground, even with poor GPS reception.

“Intelligent navigation and obstacle avoidance in complex environments powered by Intel RealSense Technology expands creative possibilities and enhances safety for our customers,” said Yu Tian, chief executive officer of Yuneec International. “Now, users can confidently operate Typhoon H with RealSense Technology in a wide variety of environments that previously required highly-technical piloting.”

Intel and Yuneec announced a $60M investment in August of 2015 for product collaboration. The first collaboration was to power the ST16 ground station, which employs the Intel Atom processor. The second product collaboration comes to market by way of Intel RealSense Technology.

“At Intel, we’re always looking to open up creative possibilities through technology,” said Anil Nanduri, Intel’s vice president and general manager of unmanned aviation systems within the New Technology Group.” By equipping the Yuneec Typhoon H with Intel RealSense Technology, drone pilots can worry less about obstacles that may impede those creative possibilities, and focus more on their flight path and camera work.” Yuneec announced the expansion of its Typhoon series with the unveiling of Typhoon H at the 2016 CES in Las Vegas.

Typhoon H is equipped with six rotors and a 360-degree gimbal, which allows unlimited panning for breathtaking 4K videos and 12 megapixel stills with the all-new CGO3+ camera. In addition, the landing gear retracts during flight to seamlessly remove itself from the shot for unobstructed views.

Typhoon H also has a variety of flight and image capturing modes, including Point of Interest, Orbit Me, Curve Cable Cam, Journey Mode, and Team Mode for film and photography teams. Innovative new safety features include ultrasonic proximity detection to assist in avoiding large obstacles, which is operational when Intel RealSense Technology is inactive, and a six-rotor safety failsafe system, which allows Typhoon H to remain stable and land if a motor should fail.

A separately available Intel RealSense Technology module for Typhoon H owners will be released in the near future.

Typhoon H is designed with the creative consumer in mind, with features such as user-friendly design, including quick disconnect props that allow speedy removal from the motors, and rotor arms that quickly fold down for easy and compact transportation using a custom-designed backpack. Carbon fiber is used extensively to decrease weight while increasing durability. Typhoon H comes with the professional quality Android-based ST16 controller, which has a large 7-inch integrated touchscreen display and HD 720p video downlink for stunning real-time video reception, a great improvement on having to connect an iPad or iPhone to a separate controller.

Typhoon H with Intel RealSense Technology is available for $1,899 at retailers and online at www.yuneec.com.