Hexcopter robot takes to the Defcon skies

If four rotors aren't enough for you, how about six? Parallax shows off a hexcopter mod for its popular, hackable ELEV-8 quadcopter kit at Defcon.

by Seth Rosenblatt

July 31, 2012 5:41 PM PDT Follow @sethr

Parallax shows off hexcopter at Defcon (pictures)

1-2 of 4

Scroll Left Scroll Right

LAS VEGAS--Parallax is the company that makes the hackable Defcon badges, but it's even better known for another hackable product: its ELEV-8 robotic quadcopter, soon to be expandable to six rotors.

The hexcopter kit adds more lifting power to the ELEV-8, doubling the payload thanks to an extra battery along with the extra rotors. It can now hold most cameras, for remote robotic airborne surveillance. Parallax representatives said that it also makes the ELEV-8 more stable in flight.

Parallax says that the kit is likely to be available around the end of August, and will run you another $200. Currently, the ELEV-8 quadcopter runs $599.00.

CNET Update

Questions persist about NSA surveillance

Organizations request more transparency in the National Security Agency's data collection methods, Netflix plans to launch DreamWorks TV shows, and Instagram is rumored to be adding video.

Play Video