Drone Umbrella and Flying Lamp: Chinese Innovators Take on Flying Accessories

It seems that everyday accessories are about to take to the skies. First, an engineer showcased an AI-powered umbrella that follows its owner, and now Chinese developers have introduced a drone light for camping and picnics. Kursiv LifeStyle explores these unusual innovations... as reported by infohub.kz.

Canadian engineer of Chinese descent, John Tse, has developed a prototype umbrella that can hover above a person hands-free. Essentially, it's a compact drone with an umbrella attached on top.

The device uses a camera with a depth sensor and AI algorithms to recognize its owner, stay overhead while moving, and provide shade or rain protection.

For now, it's just a prototype. A single charge lasts about 10-15 minutes of flight, and the developer hasn't announced a market release date. But the concept already feels like a glimpse into the future. Perhaps one day, instead of people huddled under umbrellas on rainy days, we'll see pedestrians with silent drones hovering above.

Meanwhile, Chinese company Heone has unveiled the Heone-X drone light for camping. This compact quadcopter can ascend up to 10 meters and illuminate an area of up to 1,000 square meters. Color temperature is adjustable, from warm to cool light.

The key feature is its power supply via cable from a portable station, allowing up to 24 hours of continuous operation. If you bring the station along, the light can automatically follow a person or vehicle. Developers highlight that since light comes from above, insects aren't attracted to the tent area, unlike with traditional lanterns.

The Heone-X is now available for pre-order on Kickstarter at $819 (approximately 383,000 tenge) including the base station. First deliveries are expected in November 2026.

While these devices seem like quirky experiments, it's clear that engineers are striving to turn everyday items into autonomous flying assistants. In a few years, such gadgets might no longer seem like science fiction.

Earlier, Kursiv LifeStyle reported that a US startup unveiled an airplane with screens instead of windows.