Intel launches its first branded commercial drone

Intel this week made a major play for the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market with the launch of its first, Intel-branded commercial drone. The Intel Falcon 8 is a high-end V-form octocopter capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. The drone is controlled with a water-resistant cockpit outfitted with a joystick and tablet, and can fly for up to 26 minutes at a time on a redundant power pack. Unlike hobbyist drones, the Falcon 8 system is meant for a range of commercial applications including industrial inspection, surveying, and mapping. It also features the triple-redundant AscTec Trinity autopilot system, which Intel says can provide "detailed images down to millimeter accuracy, offering valuable structural analysis that detects and prevents damage to infrastructure."