The Next Offroad Upgrade: A Drone? Toyota Exploring Drones

[LeeroyJ]

Toyota is exploring drone use for off roading

I guess this could be pretty cool and useful if the drone was able to be launched and landed while still inside the vehicle (some sort of on-roof hanger?) and the view could be seen from the vehicle's infotainment system. I wonder if in 20 years this will be something on every 4x4?

WASHINGTON — Toyota Motor Corp. said on Oct. 7 it is exploring the development of a small drone system primarily to support vehicle operations on unpaved roads and trails.

The Japanese automaker said in a filing with the Federal Aviation Administration that the potential system aims to boost situational awareness in places where it is unsafe to exit the vehicle.

“By providing the driver with views of the local environment, including potential hazards around and underneath the vehicle, drivers can plan safer routes and improve vehicle operations,” the Toyota letter said, saying most drone flights would occur close to the vehicle. “At times, operators may fly a drone above the treeline to capture videos used to orient themselves or capture the terrain.”

 

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They're de rigueur for the Youtube overlanding crowd. i've seen video of them being used directly in front of vehicles to monitor clearance in tight spaces or fly ahead to check trail conditions. Granted these were older vehicles without other camera systems but still.

 

[Tom109]

I would really like to get a drone, for a number of reasons. But I really don’t need another hobby…

 

[LeeroyJ]

I would really like to get a drone, for a number of reasons. But I really don’t need another hobby…

I've got one, but unless I was really in a tight space I'm not about to spend the time to get it out, set it up, fly it, then put it all away, just to check out a normal obstacle. If they got rid of that part, I might use it.