Parrot unveils rolling MiniDrone and Jumping Sumo

Parro SumoDrone-maker Parrot lengthened its robotic lineup by adding two new robotic machines to it - the MiniDrone and the Jumping Sumo.

Unveiled at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the MiniDrone is a small quadcopter capable of flying in the air while the Jumping Sumo is a two-wheeled robot that is more suited for the ground.

The MiniDrone has numerous sensors that ensure its stability in the air as users control it using a smartphone or tablet PC via Bluetooth Low Energy. This quadcopter can pull off loops and follow some autopilot commands. It also has an embedded camera.

In addition, it comes accompanied by a set of detachable wheels capable of rolling along a floor or ceiling.

The Jumping Sumo is a nimble robot. As the name suggest it can jump. When it has to perform a jump, it tilts its body upward, draws in a back-facing piston into itself, and then fires it out like a jackhammer. It can jump up to two-&-a-half feet high. Apart from jumping it can spin and make 90-degree turns. Like the MiniDrone, it can be controlled through a smartphone or tablet.

The MiniDrone and Jumping Sumo are expected to be on store shelves later this year. Pricing details for the two new robotic machines will be announced ahead of their launch.