The shorter a drone's propellers, the less efficient they are at keeping it airborne. That factor, along with compact, low-capacity batteries, is the reason that small drones can't fly for very long.

Drone builders have challenges they face with each new design. If the drones are too big, they can't fit into tight spaces where they need to operate. If the drones are too small, they can't carry the ...

EPFL startup Flybotix has developed a novel drone with just two propellers and an advanced stabilization system that allow it to fly for twice as long as conventional models. That fact, together with ...