I can't speak to why it wasn't invented sooner, but I do think that the biggest reason that they've taken off (pun?) is that they are much easier to fly and much more stable than a helicopter. The fact that many of them now have cameras attached to them that offer professional-quality photos and videos, along with the ability to get a live feed while in-flight, is definitely making them more and more popular every day.
davismwfl|10 years ago
But I just spent a few minutes reading some about quadcopters vs even helicopters and from what I have read everyone so far seems in agreement that the quadcopters are less stable and less efficient then a helicopter design. It is the software stabilization that makes flight even possible, but even then they aren't very stable.
I had always wondered about this, as I have seen model helicopters (and full sized) maintain a level hover for significant time periods, but I can't ever recall a nearly still level hover from a quadcopter. From reading it sounds like that is tough to achieve given that they are constantly adjusting power to each of 4 motors to maintain flight and without the ability to change pitch of the blades that is the only option. So while mechanically easier to build they aren't necessarily more stable.
Phlarp|10 years ago
Seriously? Every one of the DJI products can do this out of the box using just GPS/accel/gyro/barometer. Newer ones can do it even better by adding in a camera pointing at the ground that works like an optical mouse. Some really insane stuff can be done if you throw an active positioning system into the mix: http://www.ted.com/talks/raffaello_d_andrea_the_astounding_a...
ilikerashers|10 years ago
kenrikm|10 years ago
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsATmfRC0U4
squidfood|10 years ago