YouTuber creates autonomous flying robo-umbrella

Engineer and filmmaker John Tse, who runs the I Build Stuff YouTube channel, unveiled an unusual invention – a fully autonomous flying umbrella. The gadget uses drone technology and a tracking system to hover above the owner's head without needing to hold anything or wear anything.

Tse first created a flying umbrella prototype in 2024, but the initial version required manual control via a handheld controller, making the device impractical. Responding to subscriber suggestions, the inventor decided to add an automatic user-following system.

The engineer tested various tracking methods – cameras, LiDAR sensors, and even, jokingly, a remote human operator. Flight controllers and Raspberry Pi single-board computers were used to implement the project, enabling identification and tracking of specific targets.

Tse doesn't hide that the result turned out imperfect.

I'd be lying if I said this project turned out perfect, but at the same time I would also be lying to say that this moment didn't bring us joy.

The I Build Stuff channel has only 16 videos, but each is dedicated to unconventional engineering experiments. Beyond the flying umbrella, Tse created an aimbot for bow and arrows and built a functional flight stick from LEGO parts.