# Shapeshifting Small Space Drones This Foldable Drone Unit Goes Where Others Can't for Exploration By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2018-12-29 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foldable-drone-unit References: [slashgear](https://www.slashgear.com/folding-drone-tucks-up-tight-to-fly-through-small-spaces-28559454/) & [actu.epfl.ch](https://actu.epfl.ch/news/new-foldable-drone-flies-through-narrow-holes-in-r/) This foldable drone unit has been designed to deliver exceptional maneuverability for users in the exploration or [first response industries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ems-drone) to let them explore in a safer manner. The drone features a quadcopter design that has been developed by researchers at the [University of Zurich](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modified-drone) and [EPFL](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mapping-drone), and is inspired by the way a bird will adapt itself to fit through smaller openings or spaces. This is achieved by shifting the arms of the drone inward to let it easily slip into compact areas like around collapsed buildings to help pinpoint where survivors might be trapped. The foldable drone unit is reported to have a "very autonomous" operation that makes it a versatile solution for a variety of different users. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/robots) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Foldable Drones for Exploration:** The trend of using foldable drones in exploration can provide exceptional maneuverability and safer options for users in various industries. - **Shapeshifting Technology:** The trend of shapeshifting technology, inspired by natural adaptability, opens up new possibilities for maneuvering drones in confined or compact spaces. - **Autonomous Drone Operations:** The trend of highly autonomous drone operations enables versatile solutions for users in exploration and first response industries. ### Where This Applies - **Exploration:** Foldable drones with shapeshifting capabilities have the potential to revolutionize exploration in hazardous or hard-to-access areas. - **First Response:** The use of foldable drones that can easily navigate through collapsed buildings can significantly enhance search and rescue operations in the first response industry. - **Drone Manufacturing:** The development and production of foldable drones with shapeshifting capabilities create new opportunities for manufacturers in the drone industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Foldable Camera Drone Units](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-1.md) - [Multidirectional Miniature Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multidirectional-miniature-robots.md) - [Swiveling Photography Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerial-photography-drone.md) - [Carbon-Caged Mapping Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mapping-drone.md) - [Foldable All-Weather Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matrice-30.md) - [Inflatable Body Digital Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sobar-drone.md) - [Incline-Friendly Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modified-drone.md) - [Extreme-Heat Firefighting Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firedrone-by-empa.md) - [Bio-Inspired Transforming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bioinspired-transforming-robot.md)