NTT DOCOMO’s balloon drone moves by using ultrasonic-vibration modules to push air, rather than spinning propellers. A helium-filled balloon provides lift; 48 small air-pumping modules around a carbon frame provide directional thrust. DOCOMO designed it for quieter, safer movement in crowded indoor spaces.
How the balloon drone moves
The helium balloon keeps the blimp-style drone afloat, but buoyancy alone does not make it travel in a chosen direction. As DOCOMO’s Technical Journal explains, the balloon itself floats and needs a separate propulsive force to move through the air.
That force comes from 48 microblowers mounted around a carbon frame. Each microblower contains a piezoelectric device. An alternating-current signal makes the device vibrate minutely, ejecting air and generating thrust. By controlling the modules, the drone can move forward, backward, left, right, and up or down. The journal identifies the microblower as an air pump marketed by Murata Manufacturing.
Why use ultrasonic propulsion instead of blades?
DOCOMO’s main design goal was safer flight around people indoors. Conventional propellers can hurt someone or damage an object if they make contact. The company said its ultrasonic-vibration modules are safe to touch and produce little noise. In its May 17, 2019 announcement, DOCOMO said that contact with its blimp drone presents no danger.
#1 Best Overall
- Easy Assembly & Flight Tips: Extremely easy to set up. Wings are to be attached to the central piece (hub) which is then attached to a balloon.(See Step by Step Image).This balloon helicopter requires proper inflation (not overfilled or underfilled) and balanced propeller installation to achieve stable flight. It is designed as a lightweight outdoor toy, suitable for open spaces without strong winds.
- Fun Whistling Sound Effect: The balloon helicopter toy turns a normal balloon into a sophisticated flying machine.When flying, the balloon helicopter will make a crisp whistling sound, bringing more fun for children outdoor activities.
- Package Include: ndividually poly pack. Each bag comes with 1 helicopter propeller and 2 latex balloons; Colors vary.Fun and Easy to Use Toy. Made of lightweight plastic and natural latex balloons, this toy helps children learn basic aerodynamic knowledge through hands-on play.
- Troubleshooting for Non-Flying Issues: If the toy fails to fly: ① Check if the propeller is tightly fixed; ② Ensure the balloon is inflated to the proper size; ③ Avoid using in strong wind or confined indoor spaces. Complete Great For Children And Adults At Summer Outdoor Game!Great for sparking imaginations.
- Safe STEM Educational Toy : Intended for both boys and girls, and is a great gift for Halloween, Parties.Great for parties, Easter Baskets, Grab Bags, Schools, Gifts for children.This toy helps children learn basic aerodynamic knowledge through hands-on play.
That trade-off suits settings such as event venues, concert halls, and commercial facilities, where a drone may need to pass near visitors. It does not mean the craft is suitable for every task: DOCOMO’s published specifications describe a slow-moving platform, not a fast aerial vehicle.
Published size, speed, and flight time
In 2019, DOCOMO published the following specifications for the original prototype:
Rank #2
- 【Hand Controlled High Tech Design (Gesture Induction)】Our UFO flying drone are equipped with 360° motion sensors that detect objects for ultimate flight control and obstacle avoidance. Place both hands on both sides of the drone, swipe a hand under when the lights start to blink rapidly, and watch this LED drone perform a 360° flip, get super cool and enjoy super fun. It’s designed to work indoors as well as outdoors, with a smooth flight pattern effect.
- 【Safe And Durable Webbed Shell Design】This flying toy drone is made of nontoxic and high-grade PP material, safe webbed shell that protects hands, walls, and furniture from the propellers. Woven shell design and protective case makes it easy to catch and keeps it from breaking. which is lightweight and flexible, making it able to withstand countless crashes.
- 【Indoor Hover Drone for Beginners】This indoor hover drone for beginners is equipped with powerful motors with equipped with smart, obstacle avoidance motion sensors, use your hand to guide to fly in all directions. The flying toys can light up, floats, moves, and 360 stunting through the air at your command (with gesture control). Then catch the UFO over and it will stop flying automatically.
- 【Cool LED Lights】When UFO drone is flying, there are 12 cool Colorful LED lights on the side, it can automatically change different LED light flashing modes according to the flight status. This cool drone not only brings fun to play but also helps to improve children's hands-on ability, operating skills, intelligence, and creativity. Enjoy vibrant LEDs light up this UFO flying toy with every flight.
- 【Portable USB Charging 】When the LED indicator flashes, it means that the drone needs to charged. The indicator light comes on when charging and goes off when fully charged. About 35-45 minutes full charge, 6-10 working duration. The hover drone toys enables various charging options such as charged by computer, power adapter, car charger, portable charger etc. Wherever you go, the drone ball for kids can easily carry, and will not take up a lot of space.
| Specification | Published value |
|---|---|
| Maximum diameter | About 90 cm |
| Maximum speed | About 20 cm/s |
| Continuous flight time | About 1–2 hours |
These are DOCOMO’s stated figures for its 2019 design, not independent benchmark results. The available materials do not provide a comparable retail product price or independent performance test.
What DOCOMO proposed using it for
The low-noise, blade-free design was intended for indoor applications, including airborne advertising, wayfinding, event entertainment, projection mapping, and camera-based monitoring or security. DOCOMO later described aerial videography as another use.
Rank #3
- Innovative design: This balloon helicopter adopts a unique balloon jet power design, combined with the propeller principle,Just inflate and fix the balloon, start it easily, and you can see the helicopter flying into the sky.
- Fun of whistling: During the rise, the balloon helicopter will emit a pleasant whistle, which adds to the fun of flying.
- Safe and environmentally friendly materials: We use high-quality environmentally friendly materials to make balloon helicopters to ensure safe and non-toxic.
- Easy to use: The operation of the balloon helicopter is very simple, you can easily master it with just a few simple steps, cultivating hands-on ability and creativity.
- Perfect gift choice: This balloon helicopter is an ideal gift for birthdays, holidays or other special occasions.
The 2021 revision
On November 12, 2021, DOCOMO announced an updated model with a high-resolution camera, full-color LEDs, stronger propulsion, more stable flight, and control via a communications network to support systemized or automated operation. The company said it aimed to commercialize the model within the fiscal year ending March 2022. That announcement establishes a target, not that commercialization occurred; the cited materials do not confirm current sales or availability.
What happened to the project?
DOCOMO announced the original drone on April 17, 2019, and scheduled a prototype exhibition and hands-on demonstration at Niconico Chokaigi 2019, held April 27–28 at Makuhari Messe. In May 2019, the company also presented the development story at ACM CHI 2019. The camera-and-LED revision followed in 2021. These announcements document a real prototype and demonstrations, but they do not establish that consumers can buy one today.
Rank #4
- These rocket balloons can be inflated up to 40-inches in length, Let them go and watch them zoom skyward.
- The rocket balloon pack contains forty (40) latex balloons in various colors, plus air pump.
- Rocket balloons can be re-used after every flight for hours of entertainment.
- Suitable for outdoor entertainment, these rocket balloons are great entertainment for parties and other events.
- Recommended for ages 8 years and up.
Is the NTT DOCOMO balloon drone for sale?
It is best understood as a DOCOMO-developed indoor drone concept and technology platform, rather than a confirmed retail product. DOCOMO announced a commercialization target for the 2021 revision, but the cited company materials do not confirm current sales, a reseller, or a price. Anyone considering it for an event or business installation should verify availability directly with DOCOMO.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ORIGINAL SCOOT DRONE FOR KIDS: Here’s the first, and the most-loved hand operated drone in Force1’s Scoot drone family! Toss to launch this hand drone into the air and enjoy vibrant LEDs light up this UFO flying toy with every flight
- INDOOR HOVER DRONE FOR BEGINNERS: Equipped with smart, obstacle avoidance motion sensors, use your hand to guide its flight, play modern catch with family and friends, and catch it “hamburger-style” once you’re done
- DURABLE AND SAFE WEBBED SHELL DESIGN: This flying toy drone is designed with a webbed shell that protects hands, walls, and furniture from the propellers; this webbed shell also keeps the drone safe from damages as it fly around any indoor space
- US-CERTIFIED STEM TOY: This UFO drone toy is a great beginner drone for kids and kids at heart ages 8 and up; drone measures 4.7” D and includes a USB recharging cable
- QUALITY ASSURED: Fly this cool, self-flying sensor drone with family and friends for up to 8 minutes on a 50-minute charge. This hand-operated drone for kids and adults is designed for thrill and guarantees fun for everyone
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