The Cleo Robotics Dronut, the first ever bi-rotor ducted drone in the world, looks like something out of science fiction.

A Boston-based company that specialises in unconventional robotic systems has created a drone with an unusual design that can access places that other drones cannot. This drone is capable of reaching areas that are difficult to navigate such as rooms that are small or very close to people.

The company also released the Dronut, a previously-released version of the drone in 2020. Although the first model was sold only to law enforcement and military personnel, the company stated that its next goal was making the drone more quiet and releasing it for consumers. The Dronut X1 was born.

Although the drone’s unusual shape makes it small enough to fit in your hand, it weighs just 15 ounces (425g) and is lightweight at only 15 ounces (425g). It also has live-streaming capabilities, an ultra-resolution 4K camera and a global shutter sensor. 3D LiDAR (light detector and ranging) is used to navigate the drone. This uses beams of light to hit objects or surfaces and reflect back to a laser scanner to create 3D visualizations of their environment.

The drone can fly for one kilometer (0.6 miles) depending on the surrounding environment. It can also be controlled with an Android phone without any training. Because of its advanced sensors, the drone can be used in low-light or no lighting conditions.

These claims aren’t unique to drones. But Dronut X1’s ducted fan design allows it fly without exposed propellers. Dronut operators are able to safely fly it around people and in tight spaces without risking it.

The founders of the company are oil and gas workers who have seen firsthand the dangers and difficulties involved in inspecting tight spaces. This experience is what inspired the Dronut X1’s unique design. The Dronut X1 is not intended for traditional drone hobbyists or commercial drone operators. However, it was designed to eliminate manned entry into dangerous, hazardous and difficult-to reach environments.

The Dronut X1 drone is not cheap. Cleo Robotic is the only place you can order this innovative drone for $9,800. The drone is commercially available for law enforcement, construction inspection, and defense industries.