Japan's defense ministry demonstrates the first spherical flying device

Weighing about 350g and a diameter of 16 inches, the ball can travel in many directions with high stability, while the maximum speed can be up to 60km / h.

>>> Photo of Japan's first spherical flying machine
>>> Video: Japan's first spherical flying machine

Built-in camera, this balloon model becomes ideal for use in search tasks where terrain is inaccessible to humans.

First launched last summer by the Defense Research and Development Institute of Japan (JMD), the impressive ball at the Digital Content Expo 2011 takes place. last week.

This is the first in the world to be spherical. At present, the equipment has gone to the finishing stage, to put into mass production.

"Because of the circular design, the device can land in any position and roll on the road, even in the event of a collision with a wall, but this device can still fly."

To control the ball rolling in the desired direction, the researchers equipped the control surfaces. This unit is usually attached at the bottom of conventional aircraft, according to a JMD spokesman.

Thanks to three gyroscopic sensors mounted in the engine compartment, this special flying device easily maintains direction and equilibrium even at impact. In addition, these surface controllers also support ground control.

The total cost of manufacturing the test flight ball is about $ 1,400.