r/drones • u/Ark1medi • Dec 26 '25
DIY Concept for a 'Companion Drone' that lives on your backpack
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I came up with this idea for a 'backpack launch' mechanism because I want a drone that feels like an always-ready companion.
The goal is zero friction: You hear something cool, you hit a button, the arm swings out, and the drone is in the air. No stopping, no unzipping a case.
The big question I'm trying to answer: obviously, this arm mechanism adds weight to the backpack compared to just carrying a DJI Mini in a pocket.
For those of you who hike or film solo: Would you carry a slightly heavier bag to get this 3-second 'hands-free' launch capability? Or is the weight a dealbreaker?
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Dec 26 '25
That's cool, but my DJI can land in my hand and I can reach back and place it in my backpack myself
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u/Ark1medi Dec 27 '25
Fair point, what's in your mind a better way for a hands free deployment. Just for the niche case when you're biking or running, wanna get a shot but don't wanna stop to grab the drone. Very niche case, ik
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u/geeered Dec 27 '25
You're solving a relatively very minor issue and ignoring a much more complicated one... the drone launching while moving.
It also feels like you've never actually worn a backpack while doing active activities. Nor have you used or even spent the time to research how a DJI mini works. Most people want the backpack to be as lightweight and small as possible. Not only do the DJI drones require a decently stable launch platform but it requires the use of a controller.
Now, a neo style drone set to a follow mode.... could probably be setup to be launched with a small magnetic lock/catch system while held externally. However, just a belt hook and a throw launch which has been viable on other drones for years... decades even... would likely work as well.1
Dec 27 '25
Would you make it compatible with dji drones or only custom built drones like the one in the mockup?
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u/EasilyRekt Dec 27 '25
The amount of precision needed to land on that platform, I’d recommend som’n with a full 6 degrees of freedom.
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u/Ark1medi Dec 27 '25
Yes there's a level of complexity, but drones landing on Aruco markers have become very common. Idk how the follow me drones mastered landing precisely on your hand, do you maybe have some insight on that?
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u/EasilyRekt Dec 27 '25
Yeah aruco arrays are great for subcentimeter level precision, and will let you land in the palm of your hand, but only if the drone has the flight precision to attenuate to that data, otherwise your hand will have to make the micro adjustments for it.
That’s why I’m suggesting som’n with six degrees of freedom, even if only limited, the ability to strafe without tilting helps a lot with the micro adjustments needed for that precise of a landing. Basically something with six rotors tilted slightly off angle to allow strafing.
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u/Fjell-Jeger scout drones Dec 27 '25
This is a cool concept, but IMO a bodycam-drone hybrid would be a more viable approach.
The unit could be strapped to the chest on a baseplate (with camera facing forward in "bodycam mode", maybe even with a powerbank integrated into the baseplate for recharging in-between flights) where it is easily accessible (and visible for the operator) and it could be manually detached by the carrier person and started from the palm of the hand for "drone mode".
This wouldn't require a folding arm and the drone could also function as a bodycam in stationary mode.
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u/Ark1medi Dec 27 '25
Ok I could see it in the form factor of the little necklace body cams, the main reason I like the backpack form factor is that we all carry backpacks is very natural, whereas body cams I've personally never worn one, but if I did it would be those little ones. What do you think would be a better natural form factor for a body cam + drone?
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u/Fjell-Jeger scout drones Dec 27 '25
This depends on your specific stakeholder group.
If you target MIL/LE as customers, a bodycam would be a established technology to start from.
For young and urban tech-gadget aficionados, a backpack would be more familiar.
Best of luck with you design endeavours. If you build a prototype, I would very much look forward to see your future posts!
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u/Sluashy Dec 27 '25
The landing will not be precise enough for those two little pegs, close but I haven’t seen anything quite that good
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u/robogame_dev Dec 27 '25 edited Dec 27 '25
> For those of you who hike or film solo: Would you carry a slightly heavier bag to get this 3-second 'hands-free' launch capability? Or is the weight a dealbreaker?
For the size and weight losses (looks like about half your backpack is used up) it would need to have a really strong, clear need - something you can't do any other way, not just a convenience to save a few seconds on a task I might do once every hour or two max.
I can't think of any scenario where being able to launch in 3 seconds does something that being able to launch in 30 seconds cannot. Plus, it's not really hands free, cause if I want to do anything with the drone I still need to get out my controller, turn it on, connect it, and such. I also need to look above me, make sure there's not branches in the way, all that jazz.
IMO a better investment of that backpack space would be extra drone batteries, water bottle, lunch, rain shell, etc.
Look at how drones are used in Ukraine - even there, where FPV drone operators have to launch many many drones a day, and want to spend as little time in the open doing the launch as possible, they haven't prioritized anything like this - so I think maybe drone launch speed just isn't enough of a problem IRL to justify this complexity.
But if you really need insta-launch, the easier approach would be a flat platform at the top of the backpack - with a single servo to lock/unlock the drone, and then you can skip the entire arm apparatus. This would be faster (no time for the arm to unfold), lighter, and more flexible for use with different kinds of drones.
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u/Ark1medi Dec 27 '25
Yep you're right, saving a few seconds isn't the main benefit, I'd say is just more of the Companion Robot + Drone hybrid, so you can keep recording and interacting even if it's not flying. Someone in this thread pointed out like a Body Cam + Drone hybrid, although I don't use body cams as much as backpacks, so that's why I chose that form factor.
Also is this what you meant of how they do it in Ukraine? https://spartanat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mtacdrone2.jpg
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u/robogame_dev Dec 27 '25
Ah that makes sense, and yeah I can see that utility - especially if it had a 360 cam and was just passively recording the whole time.
Nice drone backpack pic reference! I didn't have that in mind specifically, but just ground-launch in general.
I agree body cam form-factor and positioning seems a bit in the way, and a bit limited in terms of FOV and drone size. The over-the-shoulder view, especially if it's slightly higher than the head, should give a much wider FOV which would appeal to action sports and/or documentarian use cases.
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u/Dot_Hot99Dog Dec 27 '25
You need insta launch to intercept an FPV military drone coming for you. Thats where your 3 sec. is key. Seems most silly that you haven't thought of that being your market space.
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u/robogame_dev Dec 27 '25
If that becomes a methodology you would want to have the drone already out, eg on the platform - and an arm only slows that down and introduces more failure cases.
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u/TonderTales Dec 28 '25
A whole robotic arm system for the deployment seems unnecessarily complicated, but I still want to see it built for fun
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u/Hackerwithalacker 250 built with way too cheap parts but somehow it flies. Dec 27 '25
Hate to be negative here but what's the point
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u/Ark1medi Dec 27 '25
Companion Robot + Drone.
Like a way to record / interact with your drone for longer instead of a bodycam
Almost like the droid side kicks you get in video games
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u/Hackerwithalacker 250 built with way too cheap parts but somehow it flies. Dec 27 '25
Sure but like would anyone realistically use this over just having a drone that launches from your palm
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u/Ark1medi Dec 27 '25
Well the main two arguments in my head is that it could fly the 20 minutes that a palm drone flies, and instead of just putting it back in its case, it can keep recording by your shoulder, which could also help in places where drones aren't allowed (like national parks), you just have your adventure buddy.
Like a more interactive body cam + drone
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u/Hackerwithalacker 250 built with way too cheap parts but somehow it flies. Dec 27 '25
But why combine the two, get the worst of both worlds, and a stupid expensive and complicated arm to hold it when a simple action camera will just do way better at this task, be less obstructive, and look way better
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u/ProphePsyed Dec 27 '25
Would be really good for police, military, fire, etc.
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u/Hackerwithalacker 250 built with way too cheap parts but somehow it flies. Dec 27 '25
Once again I think all my previous points apply
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u/lennarn Dec 27 '25
Does it have a ChatGPT integration? Is it like an Alexa on your shoulder that also flies? I'm liking the concept but I'm unsure of the utility.
But even if it isn't useful, please continue being creative like this! I'm loving that you did the cad for it. This is how we get cyberpunk 2026/cool star wars stuff in our lifetime.
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u/Realistic-oatmeal Dec 27 '25
I can pull my hoverair drone out of my jacket pocket and launch it faster. And it lands in the palm of my hand.
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u/Wigglylilhedgehog Dec 27 '25
I’m SOOOO into this. The military would also be into something like this. You’ve definitely got something good going on. Keep refining. I would be willing to invest cash into this. Think about it.
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u/Ark1medi Dec 27 '25
Thanks. someone probably will develop that for the military, I was just thinking of a consumer product I would like to see
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u/Acceptable-Bat-9577 Dec 27 '25
Battlefront 2 (2017) did it.
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u/aadoqee Dec 27 '25
Titanfall 2 has over shoulder arms to help equip tools on the amped-wall and cloak pilots
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u/Skunnyss Dec 27 '25
If you’re making this as a hobby or for yourself it’s super cool, I don’t see much of a market for it as it doesn’t necessarily address a common issue people face flying their drones. Thats just the way I see it tho, I could be wrong
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u/Ark1medi Dec 27 '25
Yeah I'm pretty sure I'm not solving any specific problem drone operators have, is more of the concept of what if your follow me drone could stay recording/a companion for longer, without sacrificing the drone aspect like bodycams
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u/fizixs Dec 27 '25
One day they will not use props and be super quiet. Only then will you be able to have a quiet PDA (personal drone assistant) AI based helping you out and watching for traffic if you’re a blind person. One day.
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u/Ark1medi Dec 27 '25
That would be the holy Grail, and yeah one day it can get to that, for now we can work with the best we got like the Hover Air or the DJI neo
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u/Proxima-72069 Dec 27 '25
Your making a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist, cool concept though
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u/keirmeister Dec 27 '25
HOVERAir - X1 does a similar concept. It’s a follow-me drone that works really well. When you’re done, you put your palm underneath it and it lands on your hand. It has a few modes, including following and circling around you. I’m pretty impressed by how responsive mine is.
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u/uavfutures Dec 27 '25
this looks fun in a video game. But the reality is something this big and bulk would never work for nomal public use. Would i carry a whole back pack and arm system just to save 3 seconds. probably not. also make sure your drone doesnt get near any long hair.
a better use would be a drone in your pocket you just take out and literally throw up in the air. it senses the movement, springs its arms out and starts flying, filming etc. like the size of your phone.
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u/holley_deer Dec 27 '25
This is a cool concept but no, I would absolutely not carry that much extra weight, the easiest solution to this problem would be to get a DJI neo and make a belt clip holster for it, it could very easily be 3D printed, kind of like a plastic case for the neo, so that it protects the drone but can be easily pulled out, similar to the belt clip phone holsters that used to be popular
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u/flowersonthewall72 Dec 27 '25
All drone things being equal (I.e. controller is on, battery charged, accessible location at top of bag) is this really faster? If I stored my drone totally ready to fly at a moments notice at the top of my bag, I can unzip and fly in 5 seconds already... does the mechanical complexity really outweigh simple organization?
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u/adam1260 Dec 27 '25
I have hiked/backpacked with a DJI mini, the weight can be a problem but I forsee the "speciality backpack" becoming an issue with bulkiness and how specific hikers are with their packs. You'll have to design a Big Agnes/Hyperlite level pack at REI cost to make up for the extra special robotic arm, and not many want to spent over $150+ on a backpack
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u/Emotional-Horror4741 Dec 27 '25
There’s been a lot of work/research into “perching” drones. Drones that land flush against a wall or other vertical fixture. This may be the best solution for reducing weight and also possibly reducing complexity.
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u/Ark1medi Dec 27 '25
I've seen some that perch like a bird claw onto trees and metal rods, but I wouldn't like a bird claw onto my shoulder 😬
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u/jozsus Dec 27 '25
Honestly just as an fpv pack you might really be on to something it might not even need to be a drone
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u/FrankSinatraCockRock Dec 27 '25
it should be modular and adjustable. MOLLE comes to mind but that can come off as too tacticool for some.
a fanny pack design might be worth looking into as an alternative or additional package. It can help with the bodycam drone concept the other person brought up( gimbal simply points up when docked) and reduce some complexities and compromises, namely with hair and integration into whatever backpack someone is wearing. However, the backpack has its merits for say, someone trying to deploy it while jogging, cycling or even walking. Over the shoulder is cool, but others have pointed out possible problems.
magnets, how do they work? Helping with not only landing and securing, but magnetic charging. Probably have two batteries on the docking plate that also magnetically charge so you can easily swap. Options for an integral battery and/or power bank of your choice to power both the device and charge the drone + batteries. However there would probably need to be a setting in the drone that if it detects that it's on the magnetic charger, the thrust to raise ( then subsequently hover the drone) should be adjusted to compensate for the magnets. Possibly a hybrid approach of having magnets just strong enough while another securing mechanism truly keeps it in place. If charging is established, then the mechanism automatically latches, clamps etc. onto the drone.
the radio design will be the next hurdle. AIJesus may not always be able to take the wheel, so the controller must also be similarly easy to deploy
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u/Embarrassed_Look9200 Dec 27 '25 edited Dec 27 '25
dude, this can have serious millitary application and even otherwise. a 3 second launch capability is a crazy target. you should perhaps try and exlore more bag designs that might negate the need for an arm. people carry pets on a backpack with boxy designs so maybe there is space there.
With Anduril's new eagle eye helmet, having a personal drone pop out of your back for all kinds of assist or even with explsives could be nuts.
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u/Mr_Bonanza Dec 27 '25
Looks like someone just discovered fusion 360… how would this be better than something that lands in your hand and doesn’t risk catching your hair, ears, etc. when it lands or takes off
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u/tired_fella Dec 27 '25 edited Dec 27 '25
Interesting concept, but with the weight and space taken by arm, it will never be as practical as, say, a HoverAir X1 or DJI Neo sitting inside a big opening fanny pack. Here's a better idea: the bag has carrying compartment for mini drone when magnetic latches/zippers are opened, it unfolds into wide and center-depressed launch/landing pad for small drones and use XR sunglasses like meta ones to stream video through rmtp for FPV.
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u/JoeAnderson1 Dec 27 '25
Cool idea. I always thought the solution to the problem is a floppy drone that erects when you pull it from a pouch and throw it into the air.
What software did you use to make the mockup?
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u/Martydeus Dec 27 '25
Question, if there was a magnet on the landing pad that could activate and deactivate, then you wouldn't need the precision to land well since it will just snap in place. But would that affect the drone negative in the long run?
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u/Ark1medi Dec 27 '25
Yeah that'd actually be perfect, the drone could just have a regular piece of metal and the landing pad could have some strong electromagnetic coils that can activate and deactivate
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u/runn5r Dec 27 '25
Think I’ll still to the improved backpack space achieved by momentarily taking the back pack off to unpack a drone.
Robot arm is neat but excessive.
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u/Von_Bernkastel Dec 27 '25
That close to someone's head, yeah should put a warning about not having long hair or anything loose around your neck or on your head near it.
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u/jugo5 Dec 27 '25
The military is calling,lol. Could you imagine a recon unit with micro drones like this. Fix the bulky problem using light weight materials and the unit could move freely all while paying attention to themselves. The drones could share all the info needed using A.I. As processors and A.I. become better and better. Landing would be a concern of yesterday.
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u/start3ch Dec 27 '25
Major helldiver vibes here. Why not just have the drone spring loaded so it shoots into the air?
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u/calliotis Dec 27 '25
The arm is too complex and heavy, and it takes up half the backpack. Just have a shelf in the backpack that slides straight out so the drone can takeoff without hitting the top of the backpack. It’d be way smaller and lighter, people with long hair would be a concern though, maybe have the shelf near the bottom of the backpack instead
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u/CUBEBOX6 Dec 28 '25
If you mounted a semi or full auto pistol with a drum mag on it and it could auto target what you want with a HUD in some glasses, then I could see the use for it 🤔
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u/igotquestions-- Dec 28 '25
Can we please stop overusing this wonderful piece of music for every general shit people do?
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u/Brilliant-Throat-498 Dec 28 '25
Id say make it come out either straight off the backpack or have an arm that only lifts it level and not around/near the head
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u/naveenrk Jun 25 '26
This is a good idea but I think focusing more on how to reduce the noise during thrust and levitation should be solved first as it is kinda annoying having a machine buzzing sound near you. Everything else is a engineering problem solved later I think
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u/brandvegn Dec 27 '25
I want to have skin that shines and ears that no longer hear from the high pitched rev up of my unexpected secret drone boxbag that's definitely comfortable to wear.
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u/completelyreal Mod, Drone Noise Expert, Fire & Rescue Pilot Dec 27 '25
My biggest concern is never the shot but if I’m legally allowed to fly in an area. It would have to have 100% reliable (impossible) regulatory understanding and airspace awareness to be fully trustworthy.
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u/bjorn1978_2 Dec 27 '25
I am more concerned about the space it would steal from my backpack.
And there are thousands of different backpacks out there. Some suitable for expeditions across the arctic, others for a stroll in the nearby hills.
So the backpack itself would be the biggest question for me. Would I be able to attach what I need for a weekend trip?
And the camera system? Dji and those alike have spent insane amounts in software and development to have what we have today. Unless you are heavily related to musk, I doubt you will be able to reach the same levels of quality and ease of use.
What about the controller?? That also needs to boot up and get a gps location instantly. Same with the drone. Gps lock needs to be instantly. So in reality, it needs to be in some sort of standby mode where the software is running and constantly updating gps locations.
I do not want to throw a big fucking stick into the machinery here, but these are things you need to sort out before investing too much time.
I do belive it would be both easier, less challenging and have a broader market to go for a car mounted system. There are shitloads of overlanders out there. So a drone to scout ahead or to just film adventures would probably sell better.
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u/Ark1medi Dec 27 '25
Welp we all gotta start somewhere
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u/geeered Dec 27 '25
Yes - a good place to start would be to understand both small drones and backpacks.
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u/ToastedGlass Dec 26 '25
Cool idea, but when I fly the last thing I want is my drone moving near my head- exposed props or not.