Imagine a drone that falls and instead of breaking, it continues to move by rolling on the ground. That's exactly what it does. SCHEDULE, the multipurpose system developed by Robotic which has just received NATO certification. This little bundle of technology can fly over obstacles, roll through narrow passages and even hang from an electrical cable like an acrobat. European special forces have purchased over 30 units since 2024, and there is a reason for this interest.
A Multipurpose Drone That Defy the Laws of Physics
The ROOSTER is a hybrid that brings together two seemingly incompatible worlds. On one side It has the agility of a traditional quadcopter, on the other the endurance of a tracked robot. Its secret lies in a flexible protective cage which completely envelops the flight system, allowing it to roll on any surface without damaging the propellers or sensors.
Weighing just 3,6 kilograms, this multipurpose drone can carry payloads of up to 4,5 kilograms and operate up to 200 meters away from its operator. Its mesh communication system allows it to maintain contact even in environments where traditional radio communications would fail, such as underground tunnels or buildings with thick concrete walls.
Versatility that conquers the military
During the test with the Spanish army, the ROOSTER demonstrated impressive capabilities. As soldiers secured the ground floor of a building, the multipurpose drone scanned the upper floors, transmitting real-time video from a distance of two kilometers. In a second scenario, it was lowered through a hole in the roof, scouting the interior while troops waited for the signal to begin the assault.
Its adaptability is remarkable: it can mount different sensors such as radiation detectors, thermal cameras and oxygen sensors. This modularity makes it valuable for a wide range of missions, from reconnaissance to cleanup.
A wasted potential in the war field
Looking at the ROOSTER's technical specifications, I can't help but think about how useful this engineering marvel could be in civilian contexts. Such a durable and versatile multipurpose drone It would be perfect for earthquake relief efforts, inspecting dangerous infrastructure, or monitoring contaminated areas.
Its ground and air movement capabilities would make it ideal for delivering medicines to remote areas, inspecting underground pipelines, or for search and rescue operations in harsh environments. As I was telling you Speaking of UC Berkeley's Midair drone, transformable drone technology opens up incredible possibilities for civilian applications. Current military use, from the horrific operations in Gaza to tests with NATO forces, represents only the worst use and for a fraction of its potential.
The hope of a different future
While Robotic celebrates military contracts and NATO certification, I hope that one day this multipurpose drone will be used primarily for saving lives rather than waging war. In a world that seems to have lost its mind in military escalation, technologies like ROOSTER may prove their true value when humanity returns to focusing on cooperation rather than conflict.
The ROOSTER remains a masterpiece of engineering, but it would be nice to see it fly to build, not to destroy.
