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Northwestern University unveils nearly invisible "Phantom Twist" drone

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a drone called the Phantom Twist that is designed to be nearly invisible to the human eye. The drone achieves this by spinning at speeds up to 25 times per second, creating an optical illusion that makes it difficult for the human visual system to track. Unlike traditional drones, its propeller and body spin in opposite directions, and components are strategically placed at different heights to minimize visible outlines. While not fully invisible, it appears as a faint smudge and still has limitations such as audible noise and visible wires. AI

IMPACT This drone's design leverages AI for computational optimization, potentially influencing future stealth technologies and human-computer interaction research.

RANK_REASON The cluster describes a new drone developed through a research project at a university, detailing its design and capabilities. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=0.7]

Read on Engadget →

AI-generated summary · Google Gemini · from 1 sources. How we write summaries →

Northwestern University unveils nearly invisible "Phantom Twist" drone

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The cluster describes a new drone developed through a research project at a university, detailing its design and capabilities. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=0.7]
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COVERAGE [1]

  1. Engadget TIER_1 English(EN) · [email protected] (Alec Hively) ·

    This new drone spins so fast the human eye can barely see it

    "Invisible" drones have been in the works for years, and researchers have finally designed one that gets close.