Another earth science invention a Japanese inventor created is the spherical observation drone.4 This drone was invented by Japanese Advanced Defense Technology Centre Engineer Fumiyuki Sato.4 Created mainly for searching for victims after natural disasters and military recon missions, this sphere can fly, hover, and even bounce around on the ground.4 A video camera is mounted inside the sphere.4 Ideally, this camera would be very high-quality. However, a large or heavy camera would compromise the aerodynamics and weight of the drone.The sphere is equipped with a single propeller, shielded by a plastic shell, with flaps and wings to control its flight, and can zip through the air up to 37 miles per hour.4 The motor at the core of the sphere is contained by a modified plastic bottle, and the total cost for the parts come to $1,400.4 Sato’s sphere weighs just 12 ounces and has a diameter of only 16.8 inches.4 However, the machine is still not perfect. For example, the drone couldn’t be used at the devastated Fukushima nuclear plant, because it can only fly within the field of vision of the controller. "Even though I can see footage from the mounted camera, it would be very difficult to control this" using the video, Sato said, noting that the drone floats in the air at a very delicate balance and cannot stop quickly.4 Sato still sees a range of possible missions for the spherical drone in the future.4 A more futuristic model could possibly hover above a motorcade for security or even pursue a fleeing target.4 Fumiyuki Sato’s spherical drone is just another example of the ingenuity of the Japanese.
Without inventions, our world would be extremely different. As technology becomes more advanced, society advances along with it. Objects once thought of as impossible are now everyday objects. The Japanese are one of the world leaders in creating inventions. The Sato spherical drone and the Japanese Earth Simulator are only two examples of the many Japanese earth science inventions. Japanese investors are at the top of their fields, and they all have the potential to create the next great invention.
Sato's spherical drone
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The Japanase are usually thought of as a nation whose only inventions are in the field of robotics.
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