Spherical Drones: Technology, Applications, and Evolution

Design and Features

Spherical drones are not just flying balls, but real technological marvels. Their spherical shape isn’t a design whim, but an engineering solution: it allows the device to land on any surface, roll, bounce off obstacles, and maintain stability even in strong winds. Inside are compact internals: a camera, gyroscopes, a battery, and a control system, packed into a durable casing that protects against impacts and moisture.

One of the first such drones was introduced in Japan in 2011. Its creator, engineer Fumiyuki Sato, developed a device the size of a basketball, capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h, maneuvering freely in the air, and transmitting real-time video. This drone could not only fly but also roll on the ground, like a James Bond spy ball. Sato proudly stated that testing it was a sheer pleasure.

Applications and Development

Since then, spherical drones have begun to appear in the most unexpected places. They are used:

• in rescue operations—to look under rubble or survey hard-to-reach areas;
• in military missions—for reconnaissance, monitoring soldiers, and tracking enemy movements;
• in scientific expeditions—for example, to study volcanoes, glaciers, and caves;
• in filmmaking—to shoot scenes in narrow corridors, tunnels, or even inside buildings.

Some models can change their trajectory in the air instantly, as if in a video game. Others are equipped with thermal imagers, microphones, and even autonomous navigation systems. There are prototypes that can “park” in the air, hovering in place like a chameleon drone.

Interesting fact: In 2016, a ball-shaped drone was tested in the USA that was capable of flying inside buildings while simultaneously streaming 360-degree video. It was used for virtual tours of museums and historical sites.

And in the 2020s, drone concepts emerged that can change shape—from a sphere to a disk—depending on the task. This is no longer just a toy, but a hybrid scout, operator, and researcher.

The Future of Spherical Drones

With the development of AI and miniature sensors, spherical drones are becoming smarter. They are learning to independently avoid obstacles, recognize faces, analyze the situation, and even coordinate with other drones. In the future, such devices could become indispensable assistants in urban services, archaeology, ecology, and even in space—after all, the spherical shape is ideally suited for zero gravity.