Parrot AR.Drone mini helicopter can be controlled via an iPhone

Parrot will show off the AR.Drone at CES 2010, this is a quadricopter with two built-in cameras that can be used for augmented reality games. The drone is designed for the iPhone and iPod touch, users can control it and watch the video stream via a WiFi connection.

The Parrot AR.Drone is composed of a central cockpit which is surrounded by 4 propellers, each of them being driven by an engine. The first camera is located under the drone, it is connected to an Inertial Measurement Unit that enables speed measurements and stationary flights with compensation for wind turbulence. The second camera is located at the front of the quadricopter, it broadcasts and streams video on the iPhone or iPod touch screen. This mini helicopter can be used for new concepts of video gaming using augmented reality, it is even possible to recreate an aerial multiplayer fight between two quadricopters.

Users can fly the Parrot AR.Drone inside and outside, the device features a wide angle camera and high speed camera, MEMS, 3 axes accelerometer, 3 axes gyro, ultrasound sensor, and a powerful processor to make piloting very easy and accessible even for the youngest or non technologically savvy. Piloting can be done with a touchpad, or by detecting a user's movement via the iPhone and iPod touch's built-in accelerometer.

The Parrot AR.Drone will start shipping later this year, pricing is unknown.