Is GoPro an aerospace company? 4


GoPro an aerospace company?  Not now.  Maybe someday.  But before then, they will probably be hiring aerospace engineers!  See the article below which talks about their plans to get into consumer UAVs (I avoid the word drones).

As I explain in my book with Tip #2, aerospace (or rocket science) has become much different and much larger than just rockets, spacecraft, and airplanes.  And the companies who need people with these interests and skills are far far more plentiful than the obvious, typical aerospace companies.

I’ll write more about UAVs (Unmanned Air Vehicles) again, because they are going to be the source of many jobs, careers, and companies in the future.  In many ways this is just getting started.  I’ve said before and I’ll say it again: it’s like we are at the beginning of the jet age with respect tounmanned aircraft.

If GoPro gets into consumer drones, the industry could finally have the innovation champion it needs

 

As with many aerospace technologies, the military has led the development and demand for UAV technologies and applications.  But civilian and commercial uses are on the way.  Want to know where the activity and centers of action are?  Locations where the current military UAV companies are located is one answer.  They can be or will be adjusting their focus as the economy changes.  The other list of locations are found here in this press release from the FAA.

FAA Selects Six Sites for Unmanned Aircraft Research

 

Maybe you really want to live in one of these locations?  Use that to focus your efforts and learn more about what is happening there.  Use the web and LinkedIn to do research and make new connections.  Find local news sources or online communities that can give you insight into what’s happening and what needs exist (perhaps you can fulfill).  Eventually UAVs will be operating everywhere.  But they have to start somewhere, just like our careers.


About Brett Rocket Scientist

Brett creates artful work in engineering, ideas, and innovation. In addition to 2 degrees, 3 patents, and over 15 years experience in aerospace engineering, he is the author of several books to foster STEM careers. He volunteers his time and skills as an officer with professional societies.

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4 thoughts on “Is GoPro an aerospace company?

  • flystraightup

    Brett,

    Are you aware of Helicon Aerospace Industries US LLC of Palo Alto, California? They are doing business as Airdog. They completed funding through Kickstarter a few months ago. See their video here.

    If GoPro wants to crack the aerospace nut, they should just buy up these guys and skip the development steps. Some starving aerospace engineers will become rich aerospace engineers!

    The company site is at http://www.airdog.com. From the site, it appears the basic Airdog has an updated design and looks almost ready to go.

    They have a clever way to achieve torque cancellation without using left- and right-handed motors. Can you see what it is? [Exercise for the budding aerospace engineer..]

    • Brett Rocket Scientist Post author

      Thanks! I was not aware of them. Very impressive!
      You have a good idea for GoPro I’d say. Perhaps the news story was a clever way to encourage existing companies (like Helicon) to take initiative and contact GoPro directly. That’s what I would do if I were them.
      I didn’t study the video enough to answer your question about torque cancellation. I’m curious now…but I’ll wait to see if someone else answers first. Thanks for the question and discussion!

      • flystraightup

        Well, I can’t get into GoPro’s executive heads, so I don’t really know what GoPro was thinking.

        Perhaps they want to market a line of hobby kits for the general hoi polloi. In that case, AirDog isn’t for them. But hobby kits have been been done; and are being done. There is little reason to think that GoPro could break into that market with anything like the return their shareholders demand.

        Understand, GoPro is only 18 weeks past its IPO. The stock is volatile, and it seems the stockholders have unrealistic expectations for the company.

        But if they are into marketing to over-the-top action sports enthusiasts, they should look into AirDog and not reinvent the wheel. GoPro may not like AirDog’s $1250 price point, though. The Washington Post reports they could be shooting for a UAV for hobbyists priced at $500 to $1000. Time will tell…

        It seems to me that the market is wide open to AirDog if they hurry and their flight control software is as good as it looks.

        • Brett Rocket Scientist Post author

          Price will become an issue for the mass markets, no doubt. I would agree that there are gung-ho sports enthusiasts and also independent film makers who are willing to pay a premium to get the capability asap. Speed with the market is a huge factor. But getting your customers to pay up front for your development costs is also very smart!