Intelligent Camera Avoids Drone Ban with Accessory Propellers

Zero Zero Robotics is attempting to navigate the complex landscape of U.S. drone regulations by rebranding its latest product. The company, known for its unmanned aerial systems, is now promoting the HoverAir Versa as an "Intelligent Self-Flying Camera" rather than a drone, a distinction that could allow it to be sold domestically despite an existing ban on unmanned aircraft from certain foreign entities. The HoverAir Versa features a gimbal vlogging camera with detachable propellers, which the manufacturer describes as an accessory.

The company stated it has secured the necessary Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification for sale in the United States. This move comes in the wake of a ban implemented by the Trump White House last year, which prohibited the importation and use of drones from "covered foreign entities." While Zero Zero Robotics was unable to bring its previous water-launching HoverAir Aqua model to the U.S., the strategy with the Versa involves treating the propeller cages as optional add-ons.

In all its marketing materials, Zero Zero Robotics deliberately omits the terms "drone" or "UAS" (unmanned aerial systems). Instead, the HoverAir Versa is listed with specifications for a "2-in-1 Handheld Gimbal Camera + Intelligent Self-Flying Camera." Anita Facundo, the company's marketing director, affirmed in a statement to The Verge that the product "is in full compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements for the full product configuration offered to U.S. customers." The camera component itself did indeed receive FCC authorization.

Navigating Regulatory Loopholes

However, The Verge noted that Zero Zero Robotics appears to have sought certification solely for the camera system, implying that direct sales of its non-drone products had been previously restricted. U.S. government regulations define drones as "unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system." Critics might argue that the Versa's propeller attachments and intelligent tracking systems could fall under these definitions, potentially classifying them as integral components of a drone.

The HoverAir Versa is currently being offered through an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign. Gizmodo typically avoids covering crowdfunding efforts due to the inherent uncertainty of product delivery. This caution is amplified for a device that might face retroactive bans if regulatory bodies like the FCC re-evaluate their stance and deem Zero Zero Robotics' classification as a loophole exploitation. Furthermore, the company might also be looking to circumvent recent tariffs imposed on smaller drone imports.

What makes the Versa's introduction significant is Zero Zero Robotics' approach to the flight-enabling components, treating them as true accessories. The gimbal camera alone is priced at $450 through the crowdfunding platform. The "FlyMore Combo" package, which includes the propeller cage attachments, is available for $630. The Versa features a 1/1.3-inch CMOS camera sensor mounted on a three-axis gimbal. It is capable of capturing video at a maximum resolution of 4K at 60 frames per second, or 4K at 30 frames per second in HDR. For context, other popular vlogging cameras include the Osmo Pocket 4 with its larger 1-inch sensor, and the Insta360 Luna Ultra, which utilizes dual sensors. The HoverAir Versa, with its flight attachments, weighs 230 grams. It also includes features like palm takeoff, similar to the DJI Neo 2 drone, which weighs 160 grams. The HoverAir drone (when configured for flight) can achieve a top speed of 36 km/h (approximately 22 mph), while the DJI Neo 2 has a maximum speed of 43 km/h (around 26 mph).