Business takes flight with Lego-designed unmanned aerial vehicles
In the world of drone technology, Amir Hirsch and his company Flybrix are making waves with their innovative Lego-compatible drone kit. As CEO and co-founder, Hirsch has steered Flybrix towards a unique blend of hands-on creativity and drone technology, offering learners an engaging way to grasp both mechanical assembly and drone flight basics.
A double-major in mathematics and electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) from MIT, Hirsch credits advice from an alumnus as integral to his career. In a 2013 blog post, later picked up by Forbes, he summarized the advice, emphasizing the importance of a market approach for acquiring customers and using technology to build a defensible position.
Flybrix drones are built by hand using Lego bricks, with components such as motors, propellers, and a flight controller included in the kit. The educational focus is on teaching building skills, basic aerodynamics, and drone piloting. Depending on the version or expansion kits, users can also learn programming and remote control flight.
The kit's connection to Lego and educational value sets it apart from commercial or professional drone kits. Instead of focusing solely on flight performance or advanced aerial photography, Flybrix emphasizes learning, creativity, and hands-on engagement. This approach has proven successful, with nearly 500 units sold to school systems worldwide, including many in STEM-focused school programs in Australia.
Target demographics for Flybrix are primarily children and young students interested in STEM fields, typically ages 8 and up. The kit is designed for educators, parents, and hobbyists who want to introduce drone technology and engineering principles in an accessible, playful manner using the familiar Lego system.
One of the key features of Flybrix drones is their feedback system, which helps maintain stability during flight. This system becomes even more evident during the learning process, as users gain a clearer understanding when actually flying a drone they've built by hand.
Despite the occasional mishap, such as Amir Hirsch crashing Flybrix drones during demonstrations, the company is aiming high. They plan to be in national retail chains by December 2019, making Lego-powered drone learning accessible to even more young minds.
In 2016, Flybrix sold over 8,000 drone kits online, indicating a growing interest in this unique learning tool. With an average flight time of five minutes per drone, it's clear that Flybrix is providing a fun and educational way for young people to explore the world of drone technology.
Sources: [1] Alder.in "Build Your Own Flying Drone With This Lego Compatible Kit"
- Amir Hirsch, a double-major in mathematics and electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) from MIT, is the CEO and co-founder of Flybrix, a startup that combines Lego and drone technology for education and self-development.
- Flybrix drones are designed for learners, offering an engaging way to grasp mechanical assembly, drone flight basics, and programming, aiming to introduce drone technology and engineering principles to young minds in a playful manner.
- The company's innovative approach has been successful, with nearly 500 units sold to school systems worldwide, including many in STEM-focused programs in Australia.
- The Flybrix drone kit is set to be available in national retail chains by December 2019, making the learning experience more accessible to a broader audience.
- In the world of education-and-self-development, technology, and lifestyle, the Flybrix drone kit's unique focus on learning, creativity, and hands-on engagement offers a fun and effective way for young people to learn about technological advancements in the field of drone technology, contributing to their overall growth and development.
