We may not have flying cars, but we have flying umbrellas
You wouldn’t think it, but for years people looked at the humble umbrella and saw more than just a way to stay dry during a rainstorm. They see it as a challenge. Can human ingenuity perfect it? Are there ways to use it that we haven’t thought of before? Can it be both more practical and incredibly complicated? The answer to all of this seems to be “Yes”.
There are currently more than 11 patents filed for backpack umbrellas, and their designs range from simple extendable umbrellas that extend from standard backpacks to giant shell-shaped hoods that cover your entire head. There are full umbrellas that make you feel like you’re walking around in a hamster ball, shoe umbrellas to keep you dry when wearing open-toed shoes, and even personal vehicles to accompany you in inclement weather (in the not too distant future).
Despite the creativity, these attempts at innovation remain cumbersome and frankly impractical. But John Tse, an engineer and filmmaker who runs the YouTube channel I Build Stuff, has really thought outside the box with his fascinating flying umbrella.
Unlike a cartoon character walking around with a small rain cloud hovering over their head, Tse’s invention uses drone technology to keep your head covered without needing to hold anything, wear anything, or attach yourself to anything.
Originally designed and prototyped in 2024, Tse provided a detailed behind-the-scenes update on the project to its audience of over 160,000 subscribers (and beyond) a few weeks ago. In the video, Tse describes how his initial umbrella drone relied on a handheld controller, making it impractical and limited in its usability. Responding to customer suggestions, he decided to add a tracking system so that the flying umbrella could simply follow its user, hovering a few meters above their head.
This umbrella FLYS and follows you everywhere! ☔️
The process involved testing different tracking systems, from cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors and even, facetiously, a remote human operator.
Tse is exhaustive in the details – explaining how Raspberry Pi flight controllers and single-board computers were used to test methods of identifying and possibly tracking specific targets. The inventor also manages to be skillful, intelligent and funny in the narration. At one point, he lectures himself in an empty classroom.
I built a fully autonomous flying umbrella
Without wanting to spoil the ending of a video titled “I Built a Fully Autonomous Flying Umbrella,” Tse is able to achieve his goal…sort of. As he says at the end of the video, “I’d be lying if I said this project turned out perfect, but at the same time I’d also be lying if I said this moment didn’t bring us joy.”
Tse’s channel is sparse (he currently has 16 videos) but they clearly represent someone asking questions that no one else is asking. Aside from “wouldn’t it be cool to have a flying autonomous umbrella?” he’s thinking about adding aimbots to a bow and arrow or building a working LEGO flight stick.
Even in its imperfect state, Tse’s umbrella invention is fun, potentially practical, and certainly better than… anything.
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