3D Printed Exoskeleton Attachment Transforms DJI Phantom 4 Into Search and Rescue Drone
Some of you may know the great exhilaration and joy that comes with flying a drone, which have been systematically replacing kites in parks around the world. But these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) do more than just buzz around and take pretty videos from up in the air. In fact, there are a number of 3D printed drones that have been designed to assist with medical emergencies, as well as pizza and even 7-Eleven Slurpee deliveries. One of the most popular consumer drones is the DJI Phantom 4, the most intelligent and sleek drone from DJI’s product line. Now, their high quality drone been enhanced further with a new 3D printed exoskeleton attachment.
Looking to make the most out of their drone model, Chinese manufacturer DJI has used the rugged and lightweight EXO 1 exoskeleton to transform their UAV into a search and rescue tool. The attachment was developed through the Search and Rescue 3D Printing Design Contest, a collaborative contest launched by DJI and the 3D printing service bureau Shapeways to prove the versatility of the Phantom 4. The design collective behind the EXO 1, Frost Design, ended up winning first place in the competition, which came with a prize of $1,000 and a DJI Phantom 4.
The EXO 1 is extremely simple to assemble, equipped with a cable mounting system that eliminates the need for additional tools. There are a number of mounting points that can be used to attach GoPro cameras, lights, or any other properly fitting attachments. For instance, bicycle light mounts can be utilized to improve the visibility of the camera, making it more efficient for search and rescue missions.
According to Frost Design, the mounting points work extremely well with Knog Qudos lights due to their small size and powerful lighting, which is especially useful when coupled with GoPro mounting ports. Additionally, the 3D printed exoskeleton can be equipped with a simple payload system, and by using carabiners and neodinyum magnetic components, can deliver this payload without having to land on the ground. The Phantom 4 drone has been utilized by the search and rescue organization Down East Emergency Medicine Institute (D.E.E.M.I.). Now, the organization is able to cover thousands of acres in one camera shot, which the volunteers are able to dive into right away on a computer.
The 3D printed exoskeleton can be purchased through Shapeways for $113, while the Phantom 4 currently costs $1,199 through DJI’s website. DJI’s latest drone is perfect for exploring your surroundings, but as the EXO 1 has shown, the Phantom 4 can be used for critical life-saving missions as well. Ultimately, the 3D printed exoskeleton proves how versatile and adaptable this drone really is, proving that drone technology will continue to impact society in a number of ways. Discuss this in the EXO 1 forum at 3DPB.com.
[Source: Science World Report]Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
Print Services
Upload your 3D Models and get them printed quickly and efficiently.
You May Also Like
3D Printing Financials: Velo3D Looks to Bounce Back with Defense Deals
Velo3D (OTCQX: VLDX) is working hard to get back on track. The metal 3D printing company brought in $9.3 million in revenue during the first quarter of 2025, slightly below...
Formlabs CEO Says Company Is Caught in US-China Trade Fight
Max Lobovsky, the CEO and co-founder of Formlabs, raised concerns about the challenges his company faces due to ongoing global trade tensions, particularly between the United States and China, in...
University of Illinois Launches AM Research Center with $8M DoD Backing
The Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded $8.15 million to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to support the establishment of an additive manufacturing (AM) research center at the Grainger College...
3D Printing News Briefs, May 3, 2025: Executives, Awards, & a 3D Printing Factory
We’re focusing on additive manufacturing business news today, as both Velo3D and PostProcess Technologies announced changes to their Boards of Directors. Sandvik Metal Powder has a new president, and Klas...